Did you over do it, trying to soak in every last drop of summer sun? If you suddenly find yourself sporting lobster-like skin from too much jet skiing on the lake this past weekend or whatever - here are some quick tips and trick on how to treat it.

Cool off, yep…hop into a chilly shower or bath. The cold water fights off the swelling from the heat and lowers your body temperature. But, forget the soaps and the bath gel as it may further irritate your skin.

Aloe to the rescue! There is a reason the aloe plant has been around since prehistoric times. The gel that oozes out of this cactus contains active compounds which fight pain, infection, inflammation, and can prevent the dreaded post-burn peeling. If you are fortunate enough to have an aloe plant, clip off a couple of leaves and pop them into the fridge. In an or or so, peel off the top layer of the leaves, give them a squeeze and run the gel directly onto your sunburn. Or, buy the bottled version and store in the fridge.

Can’t use aloe for whatever reason? Grab some non-perfumed and non-dyed moisturizing lotion instead. Whatever you do, DON’T use petroleum jelly or anything containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These products will worsen symptoms, clog your pores and even prevent healing.

Here’s a sunburn remedy you probably have in your kitchen. Add 1 cup of instant oatmeal, 1 cup of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to a lukewarm-to room temperature bath and soak in it. No hot water as it will send you to the moon screaming with pain! The anti-inflammatory effects of the oatmeal mixed with honey’s antiseptic abilities, as well as the soothing power of the milk along with the pain-fighting aloe create a magically delicious do it yourself treatment.

Regular brewed cold black tea (the tannins treat pain) or milk will also work to soothe skin. Keep these liquids refrigerated in a spray bottle and spritz as needed. For blistering skin, mix up a saline solution by boiling eight cups of water for 5 minutes, then add a teaspoon of salt. Let it cool completely before applying to your skin with a compress.

There is a time to get help. If your sunburn is causing painful blisters, or makes you feel faint or dizzy and - especially if you have difficulty breathing, feel clammy and nauseated, or have a fever and the chills, head to the doctor immediately as you could have sun poisoning.

Soothe your sunburn by drinking plenty of water and take ibuprofen or aspirin as needed. Moisturize daily to minimize peeling. And, while the burn is at it’s worst, put yourself in a cool, dark room and try to sleep away the pain.