In an era defined by selfies, cosmetic enhancements, and virtual meetings, people are more familiar with their faces than ever. However, have you ever assessed your back? Just when you thought you mastered your best angles, fashion trends spotlight this overlooked area: your back.

The red carpet moments in Hollywood might seem trivial for various reasons, including your personal fashion choices. Yet, when pop star Sabrina Carpenter graced the Grammys in January wearing a stunning baby blue satin Loewe gown—featuring a dramatic marabou peplum that showcased her back alongside 80 carats of Chopard diamonds—the message was unmistakable: the back is the new fashion focus.

As we enter the sunnier months, the trend is gaining traction, especially among fitness enthusiasts and those who take pride in their physique. Retailers have jumped on this bandwagon, with even M&S offering what they term as an “open back” dress. Its conservative cut-out shape, however, suggests that anything below the bra line remains a personal matter. (The Skims multiway underwired bra accommodates up to a G-cup, complete with adjustable straps.)

How daring should you be? Carpenter’s glamorous gown evoked a memorable backless dress worn by Shirley Maclaine in the 1964 film What a Way to Go!, which was so daring it almost reached bumless territory. Following Vogue’s declaration that cleavage was “out” in 2016, revealing one’s spine has become a trendy alternative. Matthew Williams, upon taking the helm at Givenchy in 2020, debuted a remarkably low backless dress that came with a visible thong detail, a design eagerly donned by Kim Kardashian.

Generally, the backless style provides a more subtle way to reveal skin, leaning towards an aesthetic of “watch me walk away” rather than overtly provocative. Once perceived as mainly sexy—often referred to in France as “naked back dresses”—the trend has shifted. Garments like waistcoats are now often worn as vests, broadening the appeal and acceptance of backless styles for everyday wear.

This shift may explain the increased volume of back-related content surfacing on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where viewers are captivated by footage of skin treatments, pimple-popping, and the like. With the internet’s expectations rising for back care, what does this trend signify for those whose backs might not be ready for public display?

“We often overlook our backs until they’re suddenly visible, and then we might feel shocked by their condition,” notes beauty editor and influencer Nadine Baggott. “Fortunately, many over-the-counter products and exfoliating techniques can help address any concerns.”

She suggests using a long-handled body brush alongside a cleanser formulated with salicylic acid for effective cleaning. For persistent blemishes, an overnight acid gel can be beneficial.

“If you’re feeling self-conscious about skin tone, a product like Vita Liberata Body Blur offers a flattering tint that can enhance even neglected skin instantly,” Baggott adds, noting that applying it evenly can pose a challenge.

For those hard-to-reach areas, various applicators are available, or you might enlist a partner’s help—assuming they’re still willing to hear about your back care routine.