It’s often possible to stop your sunburned skin from flaking, and turn it into a tan.

First, let’s make one thing abundantly clear; there’s no safe way to tan. If you’re wondering how to transition from sunburn to a tan, remember that extended sun exposure damages your skin. Every time you tan, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer, wrinkles and sunspots.

Now, that the disclaimer is behind us, let’s move on. Everyone forgets to apply sunscreen once in a while — it happens — and these quick tips will help your sunburn turn into an even tan.

1. Hydrate

Sunburns stress your skin barrier, which results in a lot of water loss. For that reason, you must drink plenty of water; it will help your skin cool off and rehydrate your cells. Besides, staying well-hydrated prevents peeling, which is essential to fading a sunburn into a tan.

2. Pop a pill

Taking an Advil or a Motrin will control the inflammation, which will help your skin heal faster and alleviate any discomfort.

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3. Moisturize

Moisturizing after a sunburn is a great way to cool the skin, but before you apply a moisturizer, place it in the fridge. Chilled moisturizer will soothe your burn and reduce peeling. Make sure to use a product without added fragrances or scents, as these chemicals can aggravate tender skin.

Pro tip: Always have Aloe Vera waiting in your fridge.

If your burned skin feels unusually dry and itchy, try applying moisturizer fight after you shower. It will lock excess water into your skin and help rehydrate, which will inevitably speed up the healing process.