Why Using Lubricants and Lotions for Massages is the Best Way to Go

Whether you've had a hard day at the office or you're trying to conquer the everyday stresses of life, a good strong massage that melts away the stiffness is always appreciated. And nothings better when the massage turns to something intimate between you and your lover leading to a lot more rubbing in other places. For a sensual massage, you basically need two things to make this happen (besides a willing partner). First is a good lubricant or lotion and secondly skilled hands. Of course, the lubricant isn't totally necessary, but it definitely makes your skill level go up quite a bit.

For any massage you can choose between using massage lotions, massage oils, warming oils, water-based lubricants, and even talcum powder. It's all a matter of preference, although some products are not exactly recommended for massages. Massage oils are always a good idea if you and your partner don't mind them since they tend to be quite oily. You can buy both scented and unscented oils, so shop around a bit and find what kind of scent and texture you like. Make sure you read the label before you try to use the oil with latex based products, such as sex toys and condoms because many times the latex will begin to break down and erode. Massage oil should not be used on the inner part of the genitals (and other sensitive areas on your body), nor as a lubricant for oral sex or vaginal or anal penetration, unless the label specially says it's safe.

Massage lotions are the best choice for those who don't like the greasy oily film left behind by massage oils. Lotions are less slippery, and some people feel they can work tired muscles better, and lotions are less likely to cause skin rashes and breakouts. People who have the oily type of skin should stay away from massage oils anyway, so lotions should be the ideal choice. Just like the massage oils, massage lotions also come in different varieties of scents. They leave less of the sticky residue behind and add to the mood by making both partners smell sexy. However, just like oils, lotions will breakdown or destroy latex products and should not be used for vaginal or anal play.

Warming oils, AKA edible oils, may be the best option for massaging one or two areas of the body, instead of a full body massage. If you want to really excite your partner, you can use warming oil directly on the genitals, before sex. Gently massage the oil into the skin until it begins to heat up and your partner starts to feel aroused. Remember that warming oils are subject to the same restrictions of use as the massage oils and lotions. So be sure and read the label to see if it's safe to use with latex, etc.

Talcum powder can be used by those who hate the feeling of oils or lotions on their skin. Obviously it does not work as well as oils and lotions because it does not allow much friction. Water-based lubricants are only marginally better than talcum. Some of them, such as KY Jelly, tend to quickly dry and leave a sticky residue. Both KY Warming Liquid and Astroglide are better suited for massage because they take longer to dry out and absorb more friction. The best thing about water-based lubricants, however, is that they are meant to work with latex products, like condoms and sex toys. Of course this makes them perfect for an evening of sensual massage then sex.