As temperatures rise, many people’s thoughts turn to getting outside and soaking up the sun. But for those with sensitive skin or who spend too much time in the sun, summer can be a real pain—literally.

Sunburned legs can be particularly uncomfortable, making it difficult to sleep, sit, or even walk in some cases. While prevention is always the best option, when sunburn happens, a few simple tricks can help soothe summer legs and provide relief from the burn.

1. Cool It Down

The first step to relieving sunburned legs is to cool down the affected area. A cool shower or bath can help stop the burning sensation and provide some relief from the heat.

For an extra boost of cooling power, add some oatmeal or baking soda to the water, which can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. If a shower or bath isn’t an option, try wrapping a few ice packs in a towel and applying them to the affected area for a few minutes at a time.

2. Keep Hydrated

Sunburned skin needs moisture to heal and recover, so it’s important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Dehydration can make sunburn feel even worse, so make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate skin even further and make the burn worse.

3. Moisturize Frequently

After a cool shower or bath, pat the skin dry and apply a soothing moisturizer, such as aloe vera or a fragrance-free lotion. Moisturizing frequently can help keep the skin hydrated and prevent peeling, which can be painful and unsightly.

Avoid using any harsh soaps or scrubs on sunburned skin, which can further irritate the skin and make the burn worse.

4. Stay Out of the Sun

As tempting as it may be to get back outdoors, it’s important to stay out of the sun while sunburned legs heal. The sun can make the burn worse and delay the healing process, so try to stay indoors or in the shade as much as possible.

If you do need to venture outside, wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the affected area and apply a high-SPF sunscreen to protect the skin from further damage.

5. Try Some Natural Remedies

There are a variety of natural remedies that may help soothe sunburned legs and provide relief from the burn. For example, applying a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.

A paste made from mashed strawberries or cucumbers can also provide cooling relief when applied to sunburned skin. And, of course, a good old-fashioned cold compress can work wonders when it comes to reducing heat and burning sensations.

6. Take Medication if Necessary

If sunburn is particularly severe or painful, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin may provide some relief.

However, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage and to avoid taking more than directed, as overuse of pain relievers can have negative side effects. Never use topical anesthetics or benzocaine, which can irritate skin and potentially make the burn worse.

7. Relax and Rest

After a sunburn, it’s important to take it easy and rest as much as possible. Sunburned legs can be particularly painful, so try to avoid any strenuous activity or exercise that may exacerbate the burn.

Instead, take the opportunity to relax and catch up on some reading, watching TV, or just enjoying some quiet time alone. The burn will heal faster with less irritation and discomfort if you allow your body to rest.

8. Learn from It

Finally, it’s important to take steps to prevent sunburn in the future. Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly can all help prevent sunburned legs in the first place.

If you do get burned, take note of what worked and what didn’t in terms of relief. That way, you’ll be better prepared to deal with sunburned legs if or when they happen again.

By following these simple tips, you can help soothe sunburned legs and recover from the burn as quickly as possible. While it may be tempting to try a variety of remedies and solutions, it’s important to listen to your body and take things slow.

With time, rest, and gentle care, your legs should be feeling better in no time.