So you want a sex toy that feels just like the real thing? Over and over again, you are likely to encounter offerings under the name of "Cyberskin", but what exactly IS Cyberskin? It's realistic, soft, and warms up quickly, but there are precautions and special care tips few are aware of that will ensure healthy enjoyment and long-lasting sex toys.

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If you find the information below helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you could take a moment to vote on my guide! It helps my visibility here on eBay and makes my offerings easier to find. Also, it goes without saying, but this article/guide is written by me and cannot be copied or redistributed, in whole or in part, without my express permission. You are more than welcome to post a link along the lines of "Check out UnderBedToys Cyberskin Guide" on your blog or webpage, provided it is non-commercial. Thanks!

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First, a few things you should know:

• Cyberskin is a porous material. This means it can't be fully cleaned, no matter how hard you scrub or what you use. Under a microscope, it will look like a little sponge, and it has a bad tendency to pick up dirt and dust.
• Cyberskin is a conglomeration of different materials. If it is stored resting against another sex toy, unless that toy is made of metal or glass, it will actually "melt" or "fuse" to the other toy. It must be stored separately from other sex toys, ideally in a plastic bag.
• Cyberskin does not contain phthalates, but that doesn't mean it is necessarily completely free of potentially harmful chemicals. Educate yourself on  sex toy materials, and always  listen to your body - if you have any adverse reactions, stop using that toy!
• If your Cyberskin toy has hand painted details (i.e. pink vaginal lips or a pink dildo head), this paint is only on the top layer. These details will wear away rather quickly with repeated use. Keep that in mind if you're buying an expensive adult toy for looks.
• Cyberskin will exude an oily film if unused for awhile. Cyberskin is made, as previously stated, of a mix of materials. While the manufacturer states it is safe, these materials break down over time and release byproducts, which are a noticeable scent (often masked with perfume in the manufacturing process) and that oily residue - this should always be washed off before using as the film may irritate skin. When the toy is first opened, it is covered in a powder that has 'soaked up' this residue and feels velvety to be more skinlike. While the maker usually recommends using their proprietary Renew powder (which they make $ on, of course ;) ) the same effect can be achieved with plain old cornstarch, purchased at a supermarket.
• Cyberskin is very stretchy. Even what looks to be very small holes in masturbators can stretch around almost any size erection easily, so don't be fooled into thinking you can't use a toy because it's too tiny in pictures. This stretchiness can lose elasticity over time, however, and is very prone to splitting if pushed to the limit repeatedly or accidentally put in contact with sharp objects.
  
• Only water-based lubricants should be used with Cyberskin sex toys. This is because silicone is one of the materials used to make Cyberskin, and using silicone lubes on silicone sex toys causes them to become tacky  and, with repeated use, may become deformed or melt. While this may not happen immediately, it's a good rule of thumb to stick to lubes with "water" or "aqua" among the first ingredients listed.
  
• Talc or Talcum powder should never be used on sex toys, despite what any directions may indicate. Talc has been linked in several studies to being a contributor to cervical cancer in women when used repeatedly over time on the genitals. Instead, use cornstarch or a talc-free powder that states it is safe for sex toy use.
  

So how can you use and enjoy a Cyberskin sex toy? Wash before your first use, clean with antibacterial soap and water after you use it, dry it well, and store separately from other sex toys. Cyberskin will be oily or sticky to the touch, even after washing and drying - the only way to remedy this is to sprinkle on Renew powder, or, less expensively, cornstarch. If you leave a cyberskin toy unwashed and full of bodily fluid, it becomes a bacterial breeding ground that can give you skin or genital infections - so does cleaning it seem like such a hassle in comparison?

As far as Cyberskin dildos/vibrators go, as a Sex Toy Professional, I wouldn't use one without a condom on it, personally. The reason I wouldn't is because Cyberskin is porous, and the thought of putting a perfume and powder-laden sponge in my vagina (no matter how many times I run it under soapy water) isn't appealing to me. This is very easily remedied by slipping a condom on before use! On the other hand, many women use and enjoy insertable Cyberskin toys on a daily basis and claim to have no ill effects, so the final choice is up to you!

If you are planning on sharing a Cyberskin toy with sexual partners that aren't well known to you (swingers, etc) my advice is not to. As previously mentioned, Cyberskin is sponge-like and capable of passing on an infection (or sperm!), even if washed. Even when sharing with familiar partners, a condom is a good idea. I know it seems silly to use a condom on something that can't get you pregnant or spread diseases when used safely, but it sure as heck makes cleanup a lot easier! Using a condom will also reduce wear and tear on the Cyberskin, making it last longer.

In summary, Cyberskin is a wonderfully-textured product that is quite pleasurable and safe when used with a bit of caution and common sense!