We've all been there. You’re trying to moisturize or apply sunscreen, and you hit that impossible spot right in the middle of your back. You twist. You reach. You even try using the back of your hand or rubbing against a doorway like a grizzly bear. It’s awkward, messy, and usually not very effective.
Good news: there’s a better way. Here’s how to actually apply lotion to your back – no help, no weird hacks, no mess.
Why It's So Hard to Reach Your Own Back
It’s not just you. The structure of your shoulders and spine makes certain areas of your back nearly impossible to reach – especially the upper mid-back. Even people with great mobility (or long arms) struggle.
Add in limited mobility issues (from things like injury recovery or post-workout soreness), and suddenly that unreachable area becomes a real problem.
Most of us struggle to apply lotion to our backs—especially without help.
"We’ve tested the most popular solutions. Here are the 3 best ways to apply lotion to your own back, ranked from 'messy DIY hack' to 'problem solved.'"
Method 1: The "Kitchen Spatula" Hack (The DIY Way)
If you search TikTok or Reddit for "how to put lotion on your back," this is the most common answer you’ll find. It appeals to the MacGyver in all of us because it uses things you already have in your kitchen drawers.
How it works: You take a long-handled kitchen spatula (rubber or silicone works best) and wrap a washcloth or paper towel around the head, securing it with a rubber band. You then squirt your lotion onto the cloth and use the handle to reach your back.
The Verdict:
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Pros: It’s free and you don’t have to wait for shipping.
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Cons: It is incredibly messy. The washcloth absorbs 50% of your expensive lotion before it ever touches your skin. Plus, unless you want your morning moisturizer to smell like last night's stir-fry, you have to constantly wash the spatula or sacrifice it to the bathroom forever.
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Bottom Line: It works in an emergency, but it’s not a dignified daily routine.
Method 2: The "Plastic Wrap" Technique
This is another popular internet hack that attempts to solve the reach problem by turning your lotion application into a flossing motion.
How it works: You tear off a long strip of plastic wrap (about 2-3 feet). You squeeze a line of lotion directly onto the center of the plastic. Then, holding one end in each hand, you sling it behind your back and shimmy it back and forth like you are drying off with a towel.
The Verdict:
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Pros: It covers a large surface area quickly.
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Cons: It is wasteful and environmentally unfriendly to throw away a giant ball of plastic every single day. Worse, it doesn't actually rub the lotion into your skin—it just smears a layer on top. You’re left feeling sticky and wet rather than moisturized.
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Bottom Line: A clever party trick, but a terrible daily habit.
The Proper Way: The Bearback Lotion Applicator
Bearback was built for exactly this problem. Its curved, ergonomic handle folds out to 17" to give you total reach - then folds down to just 9.5" (perfect for close-in use or for packing away).
Its smooth, washable foam rollers glide over your skin for a clean, even application. Whether you’re applying:
- Sunscreen before hitting the beach
- Self-tanner before an event
- Medicated cream for back acne or skin conditions
- Daily moisturizer for dry or aging skin
…Bearback makes it effortless.
"Makes Applying Lotion to Hard-to-Reach Spots So Much Easier... I Wish I’d Tried It Sooner" - Apartment Therapy
When You’ll Use It More Than You Think
- 🌞 Before the beach: No more missed spots or sunburned shoulders
- 🧴 Post-shower routines: Lock in moisture without straining
- 🧳 Travel: It folds up small and fits in your bag
- 🛌 Injury or recovery: Stay consistent with treatment or skincare even when range of motion is limited
Ready to treat your back right?
Don't settle for kitchen tools. Get the proper tool for the job.
Shop the Bearback Lotion Applicator ($24.99)
Want to be set for the whole year? Get the best value with the Smooth Skin Bundle (Applicator + 6 Extra Rollers).
