Lube Beginner's Guide - Using Lube Solo Or With A Partner

Steph, a lubrication specialist at Adutoys, has written a lube guide to address all of your pressing concerns, such as what lube is and how to apply it.

What is lube?

A liquid, gel-like substance called lube is intended to fight dryness, lessen friction, and enhance sex pleasure. Although using lubricant during intercourse isn't always general knowledge, we strongly advise it and can't imagine living without it. Water-based lubrication Adutoys' Intimate Gel is excellent for both solitary and partnered play, as well as using sex toys (more on the advantages of water-based lube later).

The benefits of using lube solo or with a partner

Reduces friction

Let's face it: a significant aspect of sex is friction. In addition to pelvic or genital touch, a lot of sex entails rubbing, stroking, and grinding movements. Any pain or discomfort related to these forms of intercourse can be lessened by using lubrication.

Alleviate dryness

Although the vagina lubricates itself spontaneously, this process isn't always flawless. Perhaps during sex, you feel lubricated at times but not at others. Adding lubricant to fight dryness and atrophy is always acceptable. Remember that lubricant is necessary in situations where other parts of the body, like the anus, do not lubricate naturally.

Increases pleasure

Lube not only lessens friction and dryness, but it can also make things more enjoyable. A high-quality lubricant applied in the proper quantity can improve sex by increasing sensation! Applying lubrication can be a pleasant experience in and of itself.

Prevents damage

Unbelievably, having sex may hurt! Lube can help stop dryness-related discomfort and friction-induced skin tears. Feeling sore during or after sex is not acceptable. You might be surprised at how much of a difference lube can make.

What are the different types of lube?

Were you aware that lube comes in three primary varieties? Water, oil, or silicone are the three main ingredients used in each one's formulation.

Water-based lube

One of the most excellent lubricant choices is water-based lube. Water-based lube's watery viscosity feels most like vaginal lubrication if you're looking for a natural, non-sticky feeling. Water-based lubrication is incredibly adaptable and may be used for most situations, including solo play with a sex toy or protected sex with a partner. It is frequently a more affordable choice.

Water-based lube's primary drawback is that it may require more frequent reapplications due to its faster absorption. This indicates that when a lot of lubrication is needed, it isn't ideal for anal play.

Oil-based lube

Although it feels like coconut oil or any other home substance you may or may not have previously used as lube, oil-based lubricant is safer for your body. Because of its thick texture, oil-based lube is a fantastic choice for sensual massage!

One drawback is the inability to use oil-based lubrication with dental dams or condoms due to the potential for material degradation. Furthermore, this kind of lubrication may leave an oily residue on clothing and stain linens, as you might expect from oil.

Silicone-based lube

Similar to oil-based lubricants, silicone-based lube will stay longer than water-based lubrication since it won't penetrate the skin as rapidly. Silicone-based lube is the ideal option for anal play because of this, plus the fact that it is condom-friendly. Since silicone-based lubricant won't wash off as quickly as water-based lubrication and, let's face it, oil and water don't mix well, it's also a terrific option for shower sex.

The inability to use silicone-based lubrication with silicone sex toys like vibrators is one of its drawbacks. Like oil and condoms, silicone lubricant can cause a silicone sex toy's substance to deteriorate. Additionally, silicone may feel a little more challenging to remove from toys or the body.

What are the features of a good lube?

Natural ingredients, no nasties

Understanding product ingredients can be challenging. If possible, choose a product free of parabens, scent, and petrochemicals like petroleum. Instead, look for lubes that contain natural components. A silicone-based product can be your best option if you're looking for lubrication that is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Osmolality levels

We're going to get a bit scientific here. It's crucial to take into account the high osmolality level of water-based lubricants. Since 275 is the usual amount of vaginal mucus, look for a lube with an osmolality level below 1200 and preferably as close to it as you can. Water may be drawn out of the vaginal walls by a high osmolality level, diluting the lubrication and raising the risk of infections and tears.

Tastes good

It might be worth trying your lubrication, even if it might sound strange at first. This is particularly important if you and your partner use lubrication prior to or during oral intercourse. To taste it, we advise dabbing a small amount of lubrication onto the back of your hand.

How to use lube

The best method is to apply lubrication freely. There is no such thing as too much water-based lubricant. Because oil-based and silicone-based lubes have a thicker consistency, you may need less of them.

Lube can be used during intercourse and outercourse, alone or with a partner. Lube can improve the comfort of any sexual act that involves friction and genitalia.

Where do I apply lube? 

Hands

Before using a new lube in a more delicate location, always try it on the back of your hand. To prevent it from feeling too chilly on the body (unless you're like that!), it can also be helpful to warm a few drops of lubricant between your fingertips before applying it to other body regions.

Sex toys

As long as the lubricant's formulation and the sex toy's substance are compatible, lube can be used with any kind of sex toy (e.g. water-based lube and silicone vibrators). We advise applying a small amount of lubrication to the external vibrator's tip and a thick layer to the internal vibrator's complete tip. We recommend lubricating the tip of a G-Spot vibrator liberally and gradually; once you feel more at ease, you might want to apply more.

Condoms

To improve the feeling of the penis owner, we advise applying a drop or two of lubricant to the inside of a condom before placing it on the penis. As long as you don't use too much lubrication, which could actually make things more complicated, it can also help the condom seem smoother to put on. Just keep in mind that condoms should only be used with water- or silicone-based lubrication!

Intimate areas

It makes sense that the genitalia would be the most obvious place to apply lubricant. The majority of the action takes place here. Even while the vagina lubricates itself when aroused, it doesn't hurt to need a little extra assistance. Mainly when rubbing, stroking, grinding, and playing with toys are involved, external intimate parts like the clitoris and the penis also like a bit of lubrication. Any anal activity requires the use of lubricant because the anus does not naturally lubricate.