Summer is here! Longer days mean extra sun time, so when it comes to spending time in the sun, protection is a priority. Sunburn is a sign of damage to your skin cells and repeated damage can lead to skin cancer. Unfortunately, even the most sun-conscientious among us occasionally suffer from a sunburn. (Ever try applying spray-on sunscreen on a windy beach? Ooops!)

While sun damage can’t be undone, there’s plenty you can do to prevent peeling and blistering, as well as ease the pain of a burn. We had a chat with dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, M.D., of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, to find out her top tips for treating sunburned skin.

Sunburn Aftercare Step One

As soon as you notice the burn, get out of the sun! Your next step should be to pop an ibuprofen; its anti-inflammatory properties will ease any pain as well as reduce the burn’s reddening effects so you’ll look less lobster-like. Applying cool, damp towels will decrease inflammation as well as help prevent blistering. This step can also stop swelling: when burn injuries occur, the skin reacts by retaining fluid and this can occasionally lead to swelling.

Sunburn Aftercare Step Two

In the days after you’ve been burned, stay out of the sun—at least until the redness disappears. Most burns will be gone within 4 to 7 days and it’s important to avoid piling on additional UV damage while your skin recovers. Jacobs suggests slathering on a moisturizer (look for one with menthol to soothe stinging, or aloe, which has anti-inflammatory properties) to prevent peeling, and says that if skin does start to flake, try not to pick or slough it away, as the fresh skin underneath is likely to be tender and raw. The hands-off approach goes for blisters, too, as the fluid inside them acts as a protective agent for your skin and breaking them can increase your risk of infection and slow skin’s healing process.

Sunburn Precautions

Be sure to drink plenty of water the day of the burn and in the week after it. Sunburn can be very dehydrating, leading to fluid loss through the skin.

Seek medical attention for serious burns with lots of large blisters. According to Jacob, “a dermatologist can provide stronger medications to halt the blistering effect.” If you feel dizzy or nauseous, or if you pass out, you may be severely dehydrated and require intravenous fluids, so head to the ER immediately.

None of this aftercare sounds like fun? Play it sun safe: even if it's cloudy, load up on sunscreen at least twenty minutes before sun exposure, wear a hat and as much clothing as the weather allows, and hit the shade when your skin starts to feel hot.

Megan O'Neill is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Health, Self, Glamour, Real Simple, Natural Health and Spa.