How to Put Lotion on Your Back By Yourself

Your back can be the most dreaded, hard-to-reach spot on your body to apply lotion. But while it may seem challenging at first, it's definitely possible to put lotion on your own back—you just need some special tricks up your sleeve! In an exclusive interview with wikiHow, a medical aesthetics expert shared her top suggestions for applying lotion to your back. Keep reading for 6 easy DIY hacks, including using your hands, a lotion applicator, and things you might have around the house. We’ll also recommend the best back lotions and lotion applicators!

How do you put lotion on your own back?

Medical aesthetics expert Jessica Lu says to use your hands or a utensil. For the first option, squeeze lotion onto the backs of your hands, press them against your back, and rub in the lotion. You can also fill a spatula or a lotion applicator with lotion, then reach behind you and spread the lotion across your back.

Section 1 of 7:

Using the Backs of Your Hands

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Use the backs of your hands to rub lotion on your back. Dr. Lu says you can apply lotion to your own back easily with your hands.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jessica Lu
Medical Aesthetics Expert

Expert Interview} Instead of pouring lotion into your palms, squeeze enough lotion onto the backs of your hands to coat them. Next, reach behind you and press the lotion-covered hands against your back. Then rub them across your skin in circular motions to help the lotion get absorbed.
- Repeat this process as necessary if your back still feels dry or itchy.
- If you have shoulder pain or are not very flexible, this method may not work well for you.
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Jessica Lu, MD, PhD, is a medical aesthetics expert and a medical doctor with over 28 years of experience in medical aesthetics, clinical training, and academic research. She educates other physicians on advanced injection techniques.

Section 2 of 7:

Using a Lotion Applicator

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Squeeze lotion onto a lotion applicator pad and spread it on your back. A lotion applicator is a special tool with a long, slightly curved handle and a pad on the end. After loading the pad with lotion, reach the applicator over your shoulder and spread the lotion all over your back.^{[2]
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Research source} Use circular motions in each section of your back to help the lotion sink into your pores.
- The pad on the end of most lotion applicators is textured, so the lotion won't slip off as easily while you're reaching around to your back.
- If you're not sure how much lotion you'll need to cover your back, start with a small amount. You can always apply more!
- Not sure which lotion applicator to buy? Check out our product recommendations below to find one that's right for you!

Section 3 of 7:

Using a Kitchen Spatula

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Fill one side of the head of a spatula with lotion and apply it to your back. If you can't or don't want to use your hands, Dr. Lu says you can use a utensil.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Jessica Lu
Medical Aesthetics Expert

Expert Interview} A spatula is an excellent choice because it has a wide, flat end to hold the lotion. While keeping the spatula level, cross your arm over your chest, under your other arm, and around the side of your torso. Next, move the head of the spatula around in a circle to rub the lotion into your mid and lower back. To moisturize your upper back, reach the spatula over your shoulder.
- Choose a spatula you don't use for cooking (or buy a new one).
- Keep the spatula as flat as you can when you squirt the lotion onto it so that you don’t drop any onto the ground.
- It’s possible to get splinters from a wooden spatula, so be careful when using one.

Section 4 of 7:

Using Spray Lotion

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Apply spray lotion over your shoulders and behind your back. Reach over your shoulder and spray your upper back evenly with spray lotion. Next, reach across your torso to spritz your mid-back, then switch hands and repeat on the other side of your mid-back. Finally, reach your hand behind your torso and spray your lower back.
- Spray lotion leaves tiny droplets of moisturizer on your skin that dry within seconds!

Section 5 of 7:

Using Plastic Cling Wrap

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Squeeze lines of lotion across a piece of plastic cling wrap. Cut a piece of cling wrap so it’s about 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) long. Lay it flat, then apply a few lines of lotion to the center, where the wrap will touch your back. Position your back toward the plastic wrap, then reach behind you and place the wrap on your back. Move it back and forth like you’re drying off with a towel. This movement will distribute the lotion onto your back. Use an upward zigzag motion to scoot the plastic up toward the middle of your back.^{[4]
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Research source}
- If you don’t have plastic wrap on hand, substitute it with a disposable plastic tablecloth or a new, unused trash bag.
- Leave about 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) between each line of lotion.
- Reach more of your mid and upper back by moving one hand (still holding the end of the plastic wrap) up over your shoulder, then swiping the plastic back and forth diagonally across your skin.

Section 6 of 7:

Using a Paint Roller

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Squeeze lines of lotion onto a paint roller and roll it on your back. Dispense 2 or 3 lines of lotion on the roller for good coverage. Then, with the roller in your hand, bend your arm over the top of your shoulder and roll the lotion up and down your back. To cover more of your mid-back, bend your arm around your side and behind your back, and roll the lotion back and forth horizontally across your skin.
- If you can squeeze some lotion around the entire circumference of the roller, it may help you get a more even application!
- A standard 12-inch (30.5 cm) roller will cover the most area at once, while a smaller 4-inch (10.2 cm) one provides more precision. Your height will determine how long of a handle you’ll need.
- Caution: This method wastes a lot of lotion, since some of it will soak into the roller. While this may not be the most practical option, it may still be the best one if all you have available is a paint roller!

Section 7 of 7:

Best Back Lotions & Applicators

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Find lotions for different back concerns, as well as useful applicators. Below, we recommend lotions for your back based on whether you have dry, itchy skin, acne, or normal skin that needs daily hydration. We also suggest highly rated lotion applicators that other consumers have enjoyed for their adjustability, multiple functions, and longevity. Let's go!
- Best back lotions
  - For dry, itchy skin: Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion
  - For acne on your back: Tobcharm Back & Butt Acne Treatment Cream
  - For bumpy, rough skin: CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin
  - For normal skin: Amazon Basics Hyaluronic Acid Daily Hydrating Lotion
- Best lotion applicators
  - For longevity: AmazerBath Lotion Applicator with 4 Replacement Pads
  - For double-duty as a massager: UMOPHIXX Lotion Applicator for Back
  - For adjustability: EZPIK Lotion Applicator (Extendable Up to 23")

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Using this wooden spatula -- is it possible that I could get a splinter?

Community Answer

If it is old and splintered, then yes. But if it is new and well made, then most likely not. You could use a plastic one if preferred.

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Will it get rid of my back hair?

Lauren Pham

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No. There are multiple ways to remove back hair, some better than others. Although this may sound uncomfortable, ask a friend to shave your back. If you are too scared to ask, you should try going to a salon and getting it waxed. If you want a long term solution, try laser hair removal.

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Is there a way using mirrors that I can see my back?

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Yes, you can get two mirrors, one large on a wall and a small hand held one. Face your back to the big mirror and look into the small mirror, adjusting as needed.

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Use the methods above to apply sunscreen, acne treatments, and other creams to your back, as well!

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

This is what I do to apply lotion, sunscreen, etc. on my back! I take 2 long pieces of duct tape (enough to cover the area of your back, plus an additional foot to hold on to) and tape them together. Then, I put the cream on the duct tape. I hold on to the 2 ends and move the tape back and forth over my back. The tape does not absorb the cream and it spreads well onto your skin. You can even reuse the tape by wiping away any excess product.
Try squirting the lotion onto your clean shower wall. Then, lean back into the lotion and move around (think: a bear scratching its back on a tree) until you feel sufficiently moisturized. To clean up, squirt some shampoo or body wash on the wall. Rub it around with your hand or use a cleaning sponge. Then, rinse off the soap and lotion with hot water.
To apply lotion to your back, take an old, clean sock and put lotion on it. Toss one end of the sock over your shoulder and grab the other end with your hand. Then, rub the sock on your back. It works great!

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