We all have experienced that nasty sting of sunburn, making us regret having so much fun under the sun. However, we couldn’t enjoy nature if we just hide inside our houses.

The good thing about sunburns is that they’re entirely preventable. But if you already have them, you’d probably be glad to know that there are ways to speed up the healing process. Dermatologists Dr. Allison and Dr. Marisa Garshick share six ideas that will help a sunburn feel better.

1. Avoid the sun as much as you can.

Give your damaged skin a break. You have already enjoyed the sun way too much, and it’s better to avoid more sun exposure while your skin heals from the sunburn.

Dr. Arthur said:

“If sun can’t be avoided while the sunburn is healing, then I would recommend covering the [burned] areas with sun protective clothes that have a rating of UPF 50.”

2. Avoid tight clothing.

You don’t need to be topless all the time just because your sunburn hurts so bad. All you have to do is wear loose clothes.

3. Take cold showers and stay in cool places.

Dr. Garshick also said that “Aloe vera gels have that same kind of soothing and cooling property.”

4. Take ibuprofen.

Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen to help with the discomfort and swelling of sunburn. It is worth noting, however, that you shouldn’t take this on an empty stomach.

5. Use a moisturizer that is gentle on the skin.

At this time, your skin is more sensitive that usual so be careful not to use lotions or creams that have strong and harsh ingredients as they will irritate the skin even more. Instead, use a gentle moisturizer for your damaged skin.

6. Applt hydrocortisone cream

Hydrocortisone cream applied three times a day may also reduce swelling and pain but only if the cream is used soon after you are sunburned.