Everything You Wanted to Know About Personal Lubricants :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

Everything You Wanted to Know About Personal Lubricants
by author Stephanie Dickison

If you’ve seen the ads in women’s magazines that promise an end to vaginal dryness and you’ve either quickly flipped the page or paused to read the text surreptitiously, you may be interested to know that there’s an abundance of lubricants to choose from.

Many lubricants that are available, however, may contain chemicals that could cause irritation. Look for lubricants that contain natural ingredients; you won’t experience any chemical odours and with regular use they can help enhance your own lubrication.

Because most natural lubricants are water-based, you’re less likely to experience an allergic reaction, and you’ll never have to worry about oily, sticky stuff that won’t wash out of your clothes or sheets.

Causes of Vaginal Dryness

Reduced estrogen levels are the main cause of vaginal dryness in women. This can occur during:

childbirth
breastfeeding
menopause

According to the Mayo Clinic, 10 to 40 percent of menopausal women experience a degree of vaginal dryness resulting in uncomfortable to painful sex.

Natural Choices

Natural Vegan Lubricant with hempseed oil is made by O’My Products. It claims not only to be an “exceptional moisturizer, to heal skin, and protect delicate tissue,” but it also “discourages yeast, bacteria, and fungi growth.” Let’s see the chemical-laden drugstore brands do that!

If you want something a little more on the wild side, Hathor Aphrodisia Lubricant Pure is organically sourced. Sweetened with stevia, it is unscented and unflavoured. Its natural ingredients include Siberian ginseng, horny goat weed, and ascorbic acid–and the results are magical!

Natural lubes can be used with most accessories, but read the label to make sure that the lube you choose is compatible with both your skin type and your toys.

By using natural lubricants, you are treating your body gently and decreasing the possibility of reactions from chemical ingredients.

Go have some fun–naturally!

Personal Lubricant Ingredients

Look for

all-natural ingredients
water-based formula
soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E
safflower oil
hempseed oil
preservative-free

Avoid

hormones
glycerin
parabens
petroleum
silicone
L-arginine (can exacerbate herpes simplex or cold sores)
propylene

Stephanie Dickison (stephaniedickison.com) is a journalist who writes about beauty, fashion, food, and entertainment for many international publications. Her first book will be released in September 2008 by ECW Press.

Source: alive #309, July 2008

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