It’s fine when you’re by the pool or on the beach with your partner or friends, but what about when you’re alone. It helps to know how to put sunscreen on your own back if you want to sunbathe on your balcony, in your garden or even if you’re spending the day at the beach by yourself. You might even be wearing a backless top and going out in the sun. Sunscreen is essentialevery time you go out in the sun, so you really do need to know how to put sunscreen on your own back.
1. The Reach Method
Put sunscreen into your left hand and reach over your right shoulder to rub it in. Reach as far as you can. Do the same on the left side with your right hand. Next, rub it down the bottom of your back on both sides, being sure to meet in the middle.
2. Use a Special Long-handled Applicator
There are lots of these on the market. You can usually find the best deals on sites who provide items for assisted living (i.e. items for the disabled or elderly).
3. Use a Spray Sunscreen
If you’re confident you can achieve full coverage on all areas of your back, a spray sunscreen is usually a great option, especially because you don’t have to rub it in.
4. Use a Roller Ball Applicator
This is another great way manufacturers have made it easier for us all to apply sunscreen. A bottle with a wider head is going to make it easy as the roller ball will cover more at once.
5. Use a Washcloth
Apply liberal amounts of your sunscreen to a large washcloth and use it as if you are drying your back.
6. Fix a Sponge to a Backscratcher
It may sound odd but attach a sponge to a backscratcher and squirt on your sun lotion. You’ll be able to reach all parts of your back easily.
7. Take the Plunge
If you’re at the beach, ask that cute guy playing frisbee with his mates to apply it for you. You never know where it might lead.
Please do not go out in the sun without wearing sunscreen. Use a high factor and re-apply regularly, particularly after swimming, even if your lotion claims to be waterproof.
This is why:
• More than 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer were treated in over 3.3 million people in the U.S. in 2012, the most recent year new statistics were available.1
• More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.2
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.3
• Actinic keratosis is the most common precancer; it affects more than 58 million Americans.4
• The annual cost of treating skin cancers in the U.S. is estimated at $8.1 billion: about $4.8 billion for nonmelanoma skin cancers and $3.3 billion for melanoma.5
Thank you to skincancer.org for the above facts
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I reach my back easily to apply sunscreen?
- Use a sunscreen spray or a lotion with a long-handled applicator to help reach all areas of your back comfortably.
- Is it important to apply sunscreen on my back?
- Yes, your back is often exposed to the sun and can burn easily, so applying sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and skin damage.
- What type of sunscreen is best for my back?
- Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for effective protection.
- How much sunscreen should I apply on my back?
- Apply enough sunscreen to fully cover your back; consider a generous dollop or two sprays to ensure even coverage.
- Can I use a spray sunscreen instead of lotion?
- Spray sunscreens are convenient for hard-to-reach areas like your back, but make sure to rub it in for better absorption.
- How often should I reapply sunscreen on my back?
- Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, to maintain protection.
- Is applying sunscreen on my back necessary on cloudy days?
- Yes, UV rays can penetrate clouds, so it’s important to protect your back even on overcast days.
- Can I ask someone to help me apply sunscreen on my back?
- Absolutely! Having a friend or family member help can ensure thorough and even application.
- What’s the best way to check if I applied sunscreen evenly on my back?
- Use a mirror or take a selfie to visually inspect your back, or ask someone to check for you.
- Can sunscreen prevent tanning on my back?
- Sunscreen helps block UVA and UVB rays, reducing sunburn and skin damage, but it may not completely prevent tanning if exposed for long periods.