Your back is the most difficult spot to apply lotion because of dry skin.You have a few options that will make it much easier to rub lotion on your back.Creative ways to apply lotion to your back include using your forearms instead of your palms, using plastic wrap like you would use a towel, and using a paint roller to extend your reach.
Step 1: You can put a line of lotion on the backs of your hands.
With your elbow bent, hold your arm out in front of you.A level surface should be formed by the top of your forearm.You can apply a line of lotion from the back of your hand up to your elbow.It's a good idea to squeeze the lotion onto the forearms.If you squeezed the line, you should not rub the lotion into your arms.You can use as little or as much as you want to cover your back.
Step 2: You should put your arms behind your back.
Put the lotion covered forearms against your back by bending your elbow and reaching both of your arms behind you.This may hurt a little if you are flexible.You might be able to place one arm behind your back.This method may not work for you if you have shoulder pain.
Step 3: Move your arms in a circle.
If you can, Rub your forearms and the backs of your hands up and down as much as possible.If you want to cover the left side of your back, place your right arm behind you and then use your left arm.If you don't feel like you have enough on your back, repeat this process.
Step 4: A spatula.
You can use a plastic or rubber spatula, but avoid a metal one.If you have more than one option, choose one with the longest handle.You don't want to use a spatula that is frequently used to cook.Purchase one that you can use for the purpose of applying lotion.It is possible to get splinters from a wooden spatula.
Step 5: The spatula has a liberal amount of lotion on it.
When you squirt the lotion onto the spatula, keep it as flat as possible.If you make more than one application, you may want to use less lotion.
Step 6: You should reach the spatula behind your back.
The best way to keep the spatula flat is to bend your arm around to your back and place the lotion against your lower back.
Step 7: The lotion should be spread around your back.
If you want to move the head of the spatula around, cover your back with a circle and then move up to your mid-back.If you want to apply lotion to your upper back, you can reach over your shoulder from the top.If you need to add more lotion, repeat the process until you have covered all of your back.
Step 8: A two to three foot piece of plastic cling wrap can be cut.
The length that you cut is up to you, but a longer piece will make the process easier.Use a cutter that is attached to the plastic wrap box or use a sharp pair of scissors.It is difficult to keep plastic cling wrap from sticking to itself and so place it on the table before cutting it.This will keep it from wrinkling.A number of different plastic sheet options are available if you don't have plastic wrap on hand.It's possible to cut from an old disposable tablecloth.You can cut a strip from the trash bag.The wrapping from the toilet paper could be used.
Step 9: There is a blob of lotion in the middle of the strip.
You should squeeze as much as you can onto the strip.It is important to remember that lotion often goes farther than you think.The blob should be at least an inch or two wide.The lotion can be put on the plastic wrap in a thin strip.
Step 10: There is plastic wrap behind you.
You may end up with a mess if you try to pick up the plastic wrap while it is in front of you.You can touch the plastic wrap if you turn so your back is toward it.Pick up the plastic wrap in front of you and move it to a lower surface if the counter is too high for you to reach behind you.
Step 11: Pick up the plastic wrap from behind your back.
Lift the plastic wrap from the surface with one hand.The lower section is where you should put the lotion.You might need to look over your shoulder to see where the plastic wrap is in order to pick it up.
Step 12: On your back, wipe the plastic wrap side to side.
Pretend that you are using a towel to dry off your back and pull the plastic wrap side to side giving it to you.To reach the middle of your back, you can use an upward zigzag motion.If you reach over the top of your shoulder and let go of the plastic wrap with one hand, you can get the shoulder blade area.If you can't move your shoulders adequately, an alternative is to tape the plastic wrap to a flat vertical surface (doors work well and be cautious to choose a surface that will not be paint damaged and any over spill of lotion may be easily removed).The plastic is the same height as your target area.Stand up, put your shoulder blades against the plastic and slide your back on the lotion, by turning away from it.If you want to apply lotion to the entire target area, repeat this motion and move from side to side.To coat the small of the back, apply lotion lower on the plastic and bend forward slightly.
Step 13: There is a paint roller with a cover.
A standard 12 inch roller helps you cover the most area at once, but a smaller four inch one gives you a more precise application.You can choose a 14” nap thickness.Your height will determine how long of a handle you need.Paint supplies can be purchased at home improvement stores, specialty paint stores or most big-box stores.You don't need to buy a new paint roller if you already have one.The paint tray is used to roll paint onto the roller.
Step 14: The roller needs to be squeezed onto it.
The roller has a line across it.For better coverage, you may want to put two or three lines of lotion on the roller.If you buy a paint pan, you can squeeze some of the lotion into it and roll the roller in it to coat it.The amount of lotion that you use is up to you, and it may take a little bit of trial and error to determine the right amount.It is possible to get a more even application by squeezing some lotion around the entire roller.
Step 15: You should put the lotion on your back.
To apply the lotion, bend your arm over the top of your shoulder and hold the roller in your hand.Roll the lotion onto your lower back and mid-back by twisting your arm around and behind your back.It is possible that you will need to add lotion to the roller more than once.