Doesn’t it feel great to be out in the summer sunshine? But the feeling you get when too much sunshine leads to sunburn-that’s not so great. Fortunately, we know a lot more about preventing and treating sunburn than we used to. Use the following handy tips to keep your skin from seeing red.

First things first: Obviously, the best way to handle sunburn is to avoid getting it in the first place. Be smart when you go out in the sun. Wear long-sleeved shirts and broad-rimmed hats to protect your skin from the sun’s glare. Seek out shady places to relax and play, especially during the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Don’t assume a cloudy sky is the same thing as shade: Studies show that as much as 80 percent of the sun’s skin-damaging ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds. And when in doubt, wear sunscreen.

Of course, a stroll down the aisle of your local drugstore will show that the word “sunscreen” encompasses an awful lot of choices these days. Which kind is right for you? In general, medical professionals suggest using at least an SPF 15 sunscreen that blocks both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, and many dermatologists recommend sticking with one with SPF 30 or higher. Certainly, the very young and very old, whose skin tend to be more sensitive to sunlight, should use an SPF 30 sunscreen or higher.

“Fine,” you say, “but what the heck is SPF?” The letters stand for “sun protection factor,” and the number represents how much longer a person can stay in the sun without being burned than they normally could. So if you’re a fair-skinned person who would normally start burning after 10 minutes in strong sun, a properly applied SPF 2 sunscreen would allow you to spend 20 minutes in strong sun before burning. An SPF 30 sunscreen would allow you to spend 300 minutes-five hours-in strong sunlight without burning. But that’s only if it’s applied properly.

You need a good, thick coat that covers all exposed body parts, including frequently forgotten spots like the tips of the ears and the tops of your feet. (Don’t forget your lips! Lots of chapsticks contain sunscreen these days.) And no sunscreen lasts forever; in general, you should re-apply it at least every two hours, more if you’re physically active, sweating or spending time in the water. Even sunscreens labeled “waterproof” or “water-resistant” can lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes of swimming.

Always apply sunscreen before you go out into the sun. Remember, by the time you feel sunburned, it’s too late-chances are, it’s going to feel a lot worse in the next 24 hours. If you do wind up sunburned, the only true cure is time. Most sunburns will heal within a few days, and while you can’t erase their pain, you can minimize it. Apply cool compresses to the affected areas. Taking cool baths can also help relieve a sunburn’s sting, as can over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin or ibuprofen. It’s a good idea to keep the skin moisturized. Regular lotion is fine, but one that includes soothing ingredients like aloe or calamine may provide additional respite from the pain. A low-dose (1 percent or less) hydrocortisone cream may help speed healing and prevent infection. Drink plenty of water-sun exposure can make your dehydrated.

Some creams and lotions claim to relieve sunburn pain by including pain-killing “-caine” ingredients (benzocaine is the most common). Many dermatologists recommend avoiding these products, as they can sometimes irritate the skin further or cause an allergic reaction.

A bad sunburn will cause your skin to peel, which is just your body’s way of healing. A really bad sunburn will create painful blisters. Try not to break these, as this can spread infection. If you’re experiencing a lot of blisters over a large proportion of your body-and especially if this is accompanied by a severe fever, headache or nausea-seek medical help immediately. These could be the signs of a second-degree burn, which is a serious problem.

In general, taking sensible precautions can keep you safe and sunburn-free all summer long. So go out, have fun-and don’t forget your sunscreen!