Now that summer is here and skies are blue, we’ve noted the importance of staying safe in the sun. Beyond being a pain, sunburn’s can have a serious impact on your skin’s long-term health and appearance. So what’s the best thing to do if you do get burned? In order to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, follow these simple tips:

1. Take A Cold Bath

It might not help with your long-term health, but a bath with cool water will definitely make you feel better while it’s happening. Cold baths and compresses are great for irritated skin, but be wary of anything too cold. Don’t put ice directly on your skin; you don’t want to damage it any further.

2. Lather with Aloe

Aloe has long been a home remedy for sunburns and for good reason. For best results, when you’re using aloe, be sure to use 100% aloe vera. Heavy creams make it hard for your skin to breathe. For added relief, keep the aloe cooled.

3. Don’t Introduce Anything New

Your skin is in a sensitive state after being burned. Now’s not the time to try a new skincare regime. Stick with tried and true products that aren’t going to do any further harm.

4. Satiate Your Skin

After you get burned, your skin is thirsty. Sunburns dry out your skin (that’s why it feels tight afterwards), so it’s important to keep yourself moisturized with a clean, chemical-free lotion. What you eat and drink will help this, too. Be sure to have the recommended eight glasses of water each day.

5. Keep It Clean

When your skin’s protective barrier is down, keep skin clean and wear breathable cotton clothing. For blistering and more severe cases, don’t forget to call your dermatologist or talk to a doctor — in some instances of a severe sun burn, you could be dealing with a first degree burn. Always avoid harsh soaps, especially those with salicylic acid, if possible. The chemicals in soap can further irritate your skin. If you must use soap, look for products for sensitive skin.

6. Learn From Your Mistake

Now that you’ve treated your burn, be sure not to repeat it. Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays with SPF and limit prolonged sun exposure.