The key to glowing, youthful-looking skin is moisturising; it’s that simple. However, when it comes to moisturising, most women only pamper specific areas of their body. For instance, we all moisturise our face and neck first thing out of the shower. The creamy lotions go on our hands and legs. But what about your feet? Or even the back?
Because it is difficult to reach, your back can go ignored your whole life without a drop of lotion on it. If you are washing it with soap and water, you also need to hydrate it later. Why? We have a few arguments to put forth.
Just like your face, the back sees a lot during your day to day as well. Here's why the skin on your back is equally in need of TLC:
Bacne

Dry skin is irritated skin. And anything that irritates your skin can cause acne. Hence, it’s necessary to exfoliate your back to get rid of dead skin cells and product build-up. Follow it up with a body lotion to lock-in hydration to keep dryness at bay, thus, minimising the chances of acne and breakouts.
BB Picks: Love Beauty & Planet Argan Oil and Lavender Aroma Soothe and Serene Body Lotion
Contact organ

The one body part that sees the most contact with other surfaces is the back. We sleep on it, leans on it and even take its support while sitting in an office chair for hours. Contact friction on your skin should be taken care of to avoid itchy and flaky skin. Moisturising the skin on your back keeps all the itchy business at bay.
Pro tip: Stick to natural fabrics in the summer in order to minimise skin irritability, especially on your back.
Sun damage

Backless clothes are a fan favourite, especially during the summer. However, they expose your back to sun damage and thus, it’s essential to slather on a moisturising SPF on your back as well. A smooth back will have you reaching for your collection of flowy dresses all summer long!
BB Picks: Lakme Sun Expert SPF 30 PA++ Ultra Matte Lotion Sunscreen
How to moisturise your back

Unless you live with a partner or have a willing sibling, chances are, you’re going to have to learn how to moisturise your own back. Follow these personally tried and tested steps:
- Post shower, apply a layer of lotion to the backs of your forearms. Trust us when we say forearms can reach trickier places that your hands ever will!
- Starting at the lower end, criss-cross your arms in windshield wiper style to apply the cream evenly across the middle of your back.
- Use a light moisturiser like the Ponds Triple Vitamin Moisturising Lotion on damp skin, so as to spread easily.
- Slather up on the tops of your shoulders and upper back in the usual way.
Written by Sumona Bose on May 11, 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!