Before you go, here’s a pro tip from a dermatologist I once ambushed at a party: apply sun lotion in front of a full-length mirror. It sounds obvious, but nobody does it. Standing sideways, you can see your entire profile and catch the spots you’d normally miss. Use the mirror like a second set of eyes. You’ll notice that little bald patch above your tailbone—the one that always burns through your shorts.
And please, for the love of all that is holy, reapply every two hours. Even if you nailed the initial coat, sweat, water, and towels will betray you. Set a timer on your phone. Make it annoying. Your future self—the one not peeling like a lizard—will high-five you.
So go forth. Burn the memory of that contortionist dance. With a brush, a towel, or a friend’s kindness, your back can finally enjoy the sun without paying the price. Just remember: a sunburn isn’t a tan. It’s your skin screaming, “You missed a spot.” And now you won’t.
