A little sensitivity is a good thing — it helps us relate to each other, enjoy a gentle touch, and share a good cry at the end of a Nicholas Sparks movie (even if we deny it later). However, extra sensitive skin is another story, especially when it comes to sex. Burning, itching, irritation, and unsightly rashes can be real mood killers, but with a little planning and a gentler lubricant, you and your skin can enjoy every sexy sensation. Just follow these three sex tips:
1. Consider Your Condoms.
About three million people in the U.S. are allergic to latex. That’s only about 1% of the current population, but for those with allergies, a regular latex condom is definitely a no-no during sex. If you’ve experienced negative reactions to surgical gloves and bandages, you may have an allergy to latex condoms as well. Condoms made from different materials, like polyurethane or polyisoprene, could help ease your discomfort. Lambskin condoms may also be an option but should be avoided if you want to protect yourself from STIs.
2. Love Your Lube.
If it’s not your condom, it may be your personal lubricant. If you have skin that reacts easily to moisturizer or other products with perfumes, dyes, and harsh ingredients, or other chemicals, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from irritation is to invest in some gentler lubricant. Try organic lubricants or a water-based lubricant with soothing ingredients like ASTROGLIDE Ultra Gentle Gel. This formula is made without glycerin, parabens, fragrances or alcohol for gentle lubrication.
3. Rinse Away Rash-Causers.
Remember, the condoms and sex lube you use in the bedroom aren’t the only things that can irritate your skin. Your partner’s lotion, cologne, essential oils, or perfume can also contain chemicals that can lead to reactions. If you think something on your partner’s skin could be upsetting your own, why not rinse off together beforehand? It’s the perfect way to get things off to a steamy start!
Although these tips can help you soothe your sensitive skin, remember that not all reactions can be simply explained away as allergies.
If you’ve tried different condom types, applied gentle personal lubricant, and steered clear of lotions, parabens, fragrances, and other harsh ingredients and you’re still experiencing redness, itching, burning, bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or swelling in other personal areas, we definitely encourage you to visit your dermatologist, family doctor, or in severe cases, your local emergency room.
Your skin could be showing signs of a more serious infection or illness, so listen to what it’s trying to tell you and find out what’s really going on!
Has your sensitive skin caused you problems during sex?
Were your symptoms caused by a surprising source that we didn’t mention here? Tell us about your issue and how you resolved it by sharing your story, tweet us @ASTROGLIDE. Ready to try these sex tips for yourself? Request your free sample of Astroglide Ultra Gentle Gel today!