Did you spend a little too much time lounging by the pool, enjoying a long summer road trip, or simply reaping the consequences of running errands on a hot day? If the result is sunburn, these simple at-home solutions can help you fight aching, peeling, and other common effects.

Cool temperatures

Although sunburns aren’t heat related, cool conditions can help ease the symptoms. Try chilling your skin in a bath or shower, or apply a cool compress within a washcloth or hand towel. Also, don’t overexpose your skin to ice. While this may have a pleasant numbing effect, you can actually cause further damage to sunburned tissue. So don’t apply ice cubes directly onto your skin or leave the latter wet and stop exposure to low temperatures once your skin feels colder to the touch.

Moisturizers

Gently rubbing a moisturizing cream, such as a lotion with aloe vera, onto the burn while it’s still wet can also relieve your symptoms. Classic calamine lotion is also a reliable relief solution for mild cases, helping to hydrate your skin and reduce peeling. (To prevent worsening skin irritation, only use dye- and scent-free products.)

Pain Relievers

Believe it or not, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can actually help reduce sunburn pain and inflammation. Take them as the packaging directs as long as your symptoms persist. If that’s still not effective, consider spot-treating using a topical anti-itch or low-strength hydrocortisone cream for added relief.

Ongoing care

As you recover from your sunburn, make sure that your symptoms don’t worsen. Avoid sunlight as much as possible, apply sunscreen, cover the affected areas in loose-fitting clothing, and stay hydrated. And, finally, while the home cures in this guide may help mild cases, you should see a doctor immediately if you experience any severe sunburn symptoms, including intense pain, fevers, nausea, or blisters.