Summer is a synonym of longer days, sea and sun. Any excuse is a good excuse to soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshing swim, but it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt - and in that case, it could easily be you that's in pain because of that hot, red, sunburn. Truth is, as relaxing as it is to sunbathe and get a tan, you need to remember that the sun is your frenemy.

If you spent a little too much time in the sun, or forgot to apply sunblock, here are some home remedies that will give you instant relief and help you cure that ugly sunburn you've acquired.

Ice ice baby

The first, most common, yet effective way to get instant relief is to apply something cold to the affected area. Open your freezer and take out anything you think might help you; be it an ice pack, frozen peas, or your favourite ice cream container.

Take a bath - even if you don't stink

There are many different kinds of baths that you can take that will help you relieve and cure the sunburn.

Oatmeal bath

Blend a cup of slow-cooking or instant oatmeal and pour into lukewarm water, soak in and just relax. The oatmeal works as an anti-inflammatory, which will help speed up the cure.

Baking soda

Add two cups of baking soda to your bath and let its magic do the job.

Lavender and essential oils

If the burn is stinging and painful, add some lavender or essential oils to the bath to release any unpleasant sensation.

Apple cider vinegar

Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath will help balance the pH of the sunburnt area.

All you need is… Aloe Vera!

Moisturisers that contain Aloe Vera are perfect to soothe the pain and help prevent the peeling of the skin.

Bonus tip: If you have an Aloe Vera plant, cut some of the leaves and use a peeler to remove the skin of the plant and then cut it into cubes. Put it in the refrigerator, and once frozen apply on your sunburnt skin.

Lactose overdose

This is dear granny's old tip, but seems to work just fine. Apply milk or yoghurt to the affected area to alleviate the pain.

Coconut oil life-saver

What is expected from a sunburn is dry skin. Very, very, dry skin. This is where coconut oil comes in handy, because nothing is more moisturising than healthy oil. Apply it several times a day to the affected area, you will instantly feel relieved and cooled down.

Want to avoid getting sunburnt in the first place? Check out our tips on how to protect yourself from the sun.