Stupid question: Suncream when you're traveling solo

[Lavender14]

I'm going on holiday soon and the good weather today has made me realise I can't reach all areas of my back to apply Suncream. I'm very fair and burn easily so this is probably a really stupid question but if you live/ travel solo how do you properly Suncream your back by yourself? Ds is too little to help me and I wouldn't feel comfortable asking a stranger!

I’ve used a spray one in past but it’s still not ideal , following in case anyone has any great ideas !

I bought a little gizmo on Amazon for this exact issue! It’s basically a back scratcher but with removable/washable pads to apply the cream yourself. I think it’s perhaps marketed towards people who have accessibility challenges, but it’s perfect for this.

https://amzn.eu/d/eJ5CprU this thing!

The mist spray sunscreens are good, I tend to use the Ambre Solaire one. It's the aerosol type that looks like a deodorant can.

DD has something like this for when she puts fake tan on. Pretty sure it should work with Sunscreen.

I have the Back Bliss applicator that @BeeHobz linked. It's very simple, does the job.

I don't trust spray lotions to cover evenly (and plus they go everywhere, although not necessarily where you want the spray to go).

I use a wallpaper seam roller. 👀

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Harris-Seriously-Good-Wallpaper-Roller/dp/B0815R69CR?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Rash vest

I saw a woman on holiday recently put lotion on the back of her hand before applying it to her lower back which seemed to work well.

(I use the Ambre Solaire Dry Mist spray personally.)

Blimey her speech is longer than I thought it would be.

Sorry wrong thread!

I’m going to second a rash vest. Much easier and less worry. Noone wants sunburn on holiday with a wee one around.

use the air suncream - just spray on, no rubbing. nivea do them. you could also ask another parent as there’s no touching.

@JamesWebbSpaceTelescope and @Silvertulips

• the OP is going on holiday ALONE and wants to put sun cream on herself. I suppose she could ask a parent to put it on her, but it would be a bit weird…

Excellent thinking!

No recommendation but just to say, if I was also on the beach/at the pool and saw you struggling with suncream, I'd offer to help!!
So maybe you will find a gadget to help, but I'm sure most mums wouldn't mind helping out 😊

I’ve done this many times, I applied with the back of my hand as a pp said (probably helps that I am very flexible!) The small areas I couldn’t reach that way I used a spray and also asked my son from when he was very young ie a toddler basically to help me by rubbing cream into my back! If I was worried it wasn’t properly covered I’d wear a T-shirt or some kind of cover up. I’ve also been known to ask randoms to put cream on my back! Most people can see the need if you’re on your own with a little kid and are happy to help!

I usually do wear a cover up and hide from the sun like a vampire but I know ds will want to be in and out of the water etc so I just want to make sure we're both fully protected! I was thinking about using the same idea as I use for self tanner but wasn't sure if it would work for Suncream in the same way. The air spray Suncream is a good idea too!

Yes it’s hard if your kid wants to be in the water all the time, mine was like that too (now turned 18!)! I have to say I used to sometimes just bring an old T-shirt I didn’t mind getting wet and chuck it on over my swimsuit or wear a rash vest during extended sessions in the water so I didn’t have to worry about not having enough suncream on my back - especially as my experience is even with religiously applying suncream I often burn on my shoulders or back if I am in the water for a long time in the sun. It’s nice not to have to worry about it and just enjoy messing around in the water.

I take one of those washing up sponges (not the scourer ones) on a stick. But if l’m on a fairly friendly feeling beach, l ask someone.