5 reasons men should stop masturbating with Vaseline and lotions

Vaseline and lotions are common household items; you can find them in almost every home since everyone needs to moisturise their bodies after a bath.

When some men feel horny and want to engage in some solo play, they might reach for Vaseline, a popular petroleum jelly brand, or other lotions for their skin.

Reasons to Avoid Vaseline for Masturbation

While Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is a common household product praised for its moisturizing properties, its application extends beyond just skin care for many. It's often reached for as an accessible lubricant during masturbation. However, this practice comes with several risks and downsides worth considering:

1. It’s hard to clean off

Because it is not water soluble, it is hard to remove from the body or sex toys. Vaseline and lotion could linger on the skin or inside the body, even with regular washing with soap and water. This difficulty in cleaning can contribute to the risk of infections, as remnants of the jelly can harbor bacteria.

2. Causes adverse skin irritation and infection

One of the primary concerns with using Vaseline as a lubricant is its potential to trap bacteria. Being an occlusive substance, petroleum jelly creates a barrier on the skin, which can trap bacteria and lead to bacterial or fungal infections. The genital area's warm and moist environment is already prone to such infections, and using an occlusive agent like Vaseline on your sexual organ can cause irritation, infections, and other health concerns.

Some lotions also contain alcohol, preservatives, and perfumes, which may cause dryness, redness, and swelling.

Why lotion is a bad idea when masturbating [istockphoto] Pulse Nigeria

3. Makes condoms weaker

If you use vaseline or lotion and then masturbate, it can cause the condom to be weaker. This situation is even worse when you use it as a lubricant on your penis before sex. It can weaken condoms, compromising latex and rubber-based materials and reducing their effectiveness as a barrier against STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

4. Possible Chemical Irritants

Although Vaseline is marketed as a gentle product suitable for sensitive skin, some formulations of petroleum jelly may contain additives or fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin areas, including the genitals. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies may experience reactions ranging from mild irritation to more severe dermatitis.

5. Long-term Skin Health Concerns

Regular use of substances like petroleum jelly on the skin can interfere with the skin's natural breathing and moisture regulation processes. Over time, this can lead to changes in skin texture, increased susceptibility to irritation, and other dermatological concerns. While the research on long-term effects is still evolving, the potential for such issues warrants caution.

ALSO READ: The best and worst alternatives when you are out of lube

So what should you use?

Whether you are masturbating or actually engaging in intercourse, you should use water-based or silicone-based lubricant; you can also use natural oils, like coconut and almond oils. These are more hypoallergenic and skin-friendly.