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Lubrifiants Terpan Prévention

Water-based, silicon-based or oil-based…

How to make the difference ? What are the different types of lubricants on market ?

INTIMATE LUBRICANT, WHAT IS IT?

It is a product applied to condoms or directly on the penis or at the entrance of the vagina or anus, which can dampen these parties and facilitate penetration. It improves comfort for the two partners by inhibiting unpleasant friction. A lubricant can be compatible with latex condoms or not, we must look if specified on the product before use.

WHAT CAN WE FIND INTO A LUBRICANT?

1 / The silicon-based lubricants: on every condom, there is already a lubricant made ​​of silicon. Silicons are a very large family of  products whose viscosity can vary from that of water to that of a solid. Some are known to provide an incomparable slippery and especially they do not dry. Silicons have names ending in general by-one (dimethicone, cyclomethicone …). The medical grade and cosmetic grade silicone are completely inert, that is to say they do not cause allergic reaction, irritation, burning, etc. ….

It is therefore natural that we can recover these silicons in intimate lubricants: they contribute significantly, associated with glycerin, to the lubricating property of the gel and are compatible with male and female condoms. They can be colored and flavored. They are, by cons, not edible.

Silicones can be a lubricant alone or be blended with other components such as water or glycerin, as in our No Limit lubricant, Smile brand.

2/  Water-based lubricants:  they are said  “watery” or “aqueous”, they represent a large share of lubricants on the market. These lubricants can be formulated as gels fairly consistent and which do not flow, or rather much more fluid so they can be packaged in bottles or tubes. They usually contain more than 80% water and can also be colored and flavored. They may be edible but this must be clearly indicated on the packaging. If in doubt, do not eat, it is better to take precautions.

Water-based lubricants can be organic (Yes ! it also exists in this domain ! ) : This requires that most constituents are considered organic and that the product bears a label of a bio standard.

Water-based ubricants are compatible with condoms, male or female. They can also be used without a condom, for vaginal dryness, for example, or just to improve comfort.

3 / Glycol-based lubricants: These products are generally sold as “massage oil compatible with condoms.” These are very slippery lubricant, with oily texture but it’s not oil. Glycols are synthetic materials that, for some, can have the property to give a warm effect. When you blow on the skin soaked in these materials, a heat sensation appears. Glycols are the base for heating lubricants. Therefore, be careful, they are not for everyone, some people may not support this and feel irritation or burns. The glycols may be components of gels in water or silicone.

4 / Oil-based lubricants: Be careful, they are not compatible with condoms! By cons, mostly are known to be used on mucous membranes to improve sexual lubrication. These are the massage oils or other intimate lotions, petroleum jelly, butter, margarine, oils, baby …..

5 / The other intimate products: Sometimes, doctors can prescribe medication remedies to cure a disease, improve vaginal dryness and bring hormones. In this case, it is important to ask your doctor or pharmacist if the product is compatible with the use of latex condoms. If in doubt, do not use them simultaneously. These products are not necessarily regarded as lubricants.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INTIMATE LUBRICANTS?

It is essential to bear in mind that you should not use lubricants containing oil components with male condoms because oil degrades latex, makes porous and then promotes the break.

Only water-based lubricants and silicons are compatible with latex condoms.

By cons, for condoms as nitrile female condoms, all lubricants can be used because the nitrile is a matter much more durable than latex and is not sensitive to the effects of the oil.

If you feel a burning sensation or tingling after using a gel lubricant intimate, discontinue its use immediately and consult a physician. You are in this case maybe sensitive to a component of the gel or have allergies. All the comings and goings could also weaken the mucosa and caused irritation. It is also important to think about preventing the manufacturer of the gel in question for it to take the necessary measures.

If you use condoms, be aware that it is recommended to always use a gel to limit friction and thus reduce considerably the risk of condom breakage.

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