Despite all precautions and warnings to slather, smooth and reapply SPF, one could still get carried away on the beach and end up with a nasty sunburn.

We’ve rounded up some soothing solutions for your most pressing sun snafus, plus ways to get a safe bake and guarantee an ouch-less bronzing experience.

“Safe” Tanning, Decoded
“No tan that is created by exposure to ultraviolet light of any kind is safe,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, clinical professor of dermatology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center and author of the best-selling book Stop Aging, Start Living. “When skin is exposed to sun or UV light, it releases melanin as a defense mechanism, since melanin absorbs UV light. However, that means that the skin had to sustain injury -- aka sun damage -- in order for the melanin to be released and the tan to occur in the first place.”

If you love that sun-kissed glow that comes after a suntan session, your best bet is a good self-tanner. According to Graf, it’s harmless -- but you still have to layer on sunblock, since most self tanners do not contain SPF.

First Aid for Real
Before trying any of the remedies listed here, always check with your doctor to make sure they’re right for you and your skin type. (A medical professional can also help track allergic reactions.)

In the immediate period following sunburn -- this is when your skin feels hot to the touch and you experience discomfort -- take an ibuprofen every four hours for the first 24 hours to manage the inflammatory response. “You can also apply a topical cortisone cream to the burn,” says Graf.

Try cooling agents, such as aloe or ice water compresses mixed in with a little white vinegar or green tea -- both natural anti-inflammatory agents.

For more severe burns that are accompanied by blistering, see a dermatologist. He or she can either prescribe a prescription-strength topical steroid or, if necessary, an oral medication. Remember: Always follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter when taking an oral medication.

Summer Sun Care Pointers
“Needless to say, do not go into the sun at all if you are burned, since it will make your existing burn even worse,” stresses Graf. To prevent sunburn from the get-go, choose a high SPF (over 50) UVA and UVB block. Apply it over your entire body 30 minutes before exposure to get the maximum sun-shielding benefits. “If you wait to apply until you are poolside, you will be unprotected for 30 minutes,” explains Graf. “Reapply every two hours while outdoors, wear a hat and sunglasses and stay in shade whenever possible.”

Don’t forget, you’re still exposed to UV light reflected off the ground when you’re in the shade, so do not neglect your sunblock.

Fake a Golden Glow
If you’re eyeing one more beach trip before the season ends, but refuse to suffer like you did the last time, you can still arrive bronzed and glowing while sashaying as the new SPF queen. It goes back to strategic coloring with the help of a self-tanner.

Begin by exfoliating in the shower using a bath puff or a gritty body scrub. (If you need to shave, do this the day before you self-tan.) While skin is still slightly damp, apply a thin layer of regular lotion on dry areas such as the ankles, knees and elbows, where streaking may occur. Next, apply self-tanner all over, blending smoothly. Wash hands immediately. If you’ve never done this before, minimize blotchy spots by mixing your self-tanner with a little lotion to thin it out. Or, try daily-use products that gradually build a tan -- just in time to slip on your swimsuit for that last summer hurrah.

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