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Sunburn can cause hot-to-the-touch skin that is red, inflamed and painful. Here's two simple steps, provided by the Skin Cancer Fouhndation, to help heal the skin. The Skin Cancer

Foundation explained: "Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin’s outermost layers." And it's not a pretty sight, can be quite

sensitive – making everyday life that little bit harder – and can even lead to blistering. Help heal your skin more quickly by acting fast to cool down the sunburn. Do this with a cold

compress, such as a wet washcloth that has been put into a bowl of ice-cold water. Here's a warning, though, from the Skin Cancer Foundation: "Do not apply ice directly to the

sunburn." When bathing, use cool water and don't bathe for too long as this can be drying for the skin. Additionally, avoid any harsh soaps which may irritate the skin even more.

You don't want to make things worse. READ MORE: HEART ATTACK WARNING: EXPERIENCING THIS AS A CHILD MAY SIGNAL YOUR RISK IN LATER LIFE  While the skin is damp, use a gentle moisturiser

on the sunburn to help soothe and cool the skin. For mild burns, aloe vera may be used. However, stay away from petroleum or oil-based ointments that may trap the heat and make the

sunburnmore painful. When the sunburn is excessive enough for the skin to start peeling, this is a sign your body is trying to shed itself of damaged cells. Do not pick at the skin, and let

it peel naturally. Continue to use a gentle moisturiser for peeling and burned skin. DON'T MISS If safe to do so, take ibuprofen or aspirin to help ease feelings of discomfort. And an

over-the-counter one percent cortisone cream may help calm redness and swelling, if you feel you need more effective treatment. While the burn is healing, wear loose, soft and breathable

clothing and try to stay out of the sun till the burn is healed. At least cover the sunburned area while out and about getting your food shop, for example.  Moreover, as burns draw fluids

away from the body to attend to the skin's surface, it's easy to become dehydrated. So make sure to rehydrate by drinking water and sports drinks. Sports drinks contain 

electrolytes (mostly potassium and sodium), which help to replenish the body. Some people are more prone to sunburn than others – specifically those with fair skin, who produce less melanin.

Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its colour, and the more pigment you have, the darker the skin tone. Regardless of your shade of skin, sun exposure raises skin cancer risk –

even if the skin doesn't redden. And don't think that a cloudy, warm day is an excuse not to wear sun protection. "Up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds,"

confirmed the Skin Cancer Foundation. The charity also stated that five or more burns during a lifetime can more than double a person's risk of developing skin cancer. And that's

why it's vital to look after your skin and stay safe in the sunshine. Safety precautions include wearing sun screen, taking advantage of the shade and wearing protective clothing, such

as sun hats.