This is your go-to method, and it’s simpler than you think. First, squirt a generous blob of lotion—at least a teaspoon—onto the back of one hand. Don’t be shy; sunburn loves a cheap spf. Now, reach your other arm behind your back, as if you’re trying to scratch an itch between your shoulder blades, and slather it on.
Pro tip: Use the back of your hand as a giant spatula. The palm is too small and clumsy; the back of your hand covers more ground in one sweep. Start from your lower back, then work upward in long, vertical strokes. You’ll feel like you’re swatting a fly, but trust me, it works.
The “Reverse Gorilla” Swing for the Shoulders
Your upper back and shoulders are the trickiest part—the Bermuda Triangle of SPF. For this, you need to channel a gorilla. No, really. Bend your arm at the elbow and swing it behind your head, like you’re trying to pat the back of your own skull. Squirt the lotion onto your fingertips first.
Then, use a claw-like grip to drag the sunscreen across your trapezius muscles. It feels weird, and you might look like you’re having a seizure, but it gets the job done. If you can stretch your arm far enough, you can even reach the middle of your shoulder blades. (Just don’t overthink the contortion; you’re not auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.)
How Often You Should Really Be Applying Sunscreen
