The most reliable way to apply lotion or sunscreen to your own back is with a long-handled lotion applicator: put the product on the applicator head, reach over each shoulder to cover the upper back, then reach behind at waist level to cover the middle and lower back, overlapping the two areas. Without a tool, the back-of-the-hands method and the plastic-wrap method both work for the parts your palms cannot reach. With sunscreen, be generous and check for missed strips, since the middle of the back is where people burn.
Four ways to reach your back
| Method | How | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Lotion applicator | A pad or roller on a long handle spreads the product | Even coverage of the whole back. Sunscreen and self-tanner |
| Backs of the hands | Put lotion on the backs of your hands and forearms, reach behind and rub | Body lotion, when you have no tool |
| Plastic wrap or a band | Spread lotion along a strip of cling film, hold both ends and pull it across your back like a towel | A quick improvised applicator |
| Spray | Spray over the shoulder and from below, then rub in where you can | Sunscreen top-ups. Coverage is harder to judge |
How to use a lotion applicator, step by step
- Unfold or extend the applicator and check that it locks.
- Apply product to the head. Squeeze lotion or sunscreen in a line or a few dots across the pad. Do not overload it.
- Upper back, first side. Hold the handle in your right hand, reach over your right shoulder, and sweep the pad down and across the shoulder blade toward the spine.
- Upper back, second side. Switch hands and repeat over the left shoulder.
- Reload.
- Middle and lower back. Reach behind you at waist level, with the pad pointing up, and sweep upward and side to side until you overlap the upper area.
- Do the sides, around the ribs, where straps and waistbands sit.
- Go over everything once more with light strokes to even it out.
- Check in a mirror for shiny or dry strips.
A foldable back applicator
The Uexim foldable back applicator for sunscreen and lotion is a portable, foldable applicator stick designed to help you apply sunscreen or tanning lotion evenly to your back. The listing describes it as helping to reach hard-to-reach areas and as designed to reduce streaking. Because it folds, it fits in a beach or gym bag.
Sunscreen on the back: getting enough on
- Use plenty. Most people apply too little. A common guide for an adult is about a shot glass, roughly 30 ml, for the whole body, and the back takes a good share of that.
- Apply before you go out, about 15 minutes ahead, and before you dress, so you do not miss the edges under straps.
- Reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towelling.
- Do not rely on a tool alone. An applicator head absorbs some product. Load it generously, and make two passes.
- Check the commonly missed spots: the middle of the back, the back of the neck, along the swimsuit line, and the sides.
Tips for body lotion
- Apply within a few minutes of showering, on slightly damp skin.
- Use thin layers. Thick lotion on an applicator drags.
- Let it sink in before dressing.
Tips for self-tanner
- Exfoliate the day before.
- Use long, overlapping strokes, and work quickly before it sets.
- Blend at the shoulders and waist, where the back meets areas you applied by hand.
- Wash the applicator head straight afterward, or it will stain.
How do you clean the applicator?
- Wipe off excess product with a tissue.
- Wash the head with warm water and a little soap. Check whether the pad is removable.
- Rinse until the water runs clear.
- Let it dry fully before folding it away.
Old sunscreen and lotion left on a pad turn sticky and can smell. Wash it after each day's use.
Common mistakes
- Too little sunscreen, spread too thin.
- One pass only, leaving stripes.
- Skipping the overlap zone between what you reached from above and from below.
- Dressing first and applying around clothing.
- Folding the applicator away dirty.
Frequently asked questions
How do I put sunscreen on my back by myself?
Use a long-handled applicator, or the backs of your hands, working from over each shoulder and then from the waist up. Check in a mirror.
Does an applicator waste product?
The head holds a little. With sunscreen, allow for that by using more.
Is spray sunscreen easier for the back?
It is easier to reach with, but harder to apply evenly. Spray generously and rub it in where you can.
Can I use the same applicator for lotion and self-tanner?
Yes, if you wash it between products. A separate head for tanner avoids staining.
The bottom line
Load the applicator, cover the upper back from over each shoulder, then the lower back from the waist up, and overlap. With sunscreen, use plenty, make two passes and reapply.
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