SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- You may love the look of sun-kissed skin. But if you have fair or sensitive skin, the sun's rays can leave you feeling the burn.

“We went swimming and I sunburned. I get a lot of sunburns,” said Britney Drury.

She is not alone.

“The worst part is probably the first three or four days after a burn when you really start feeling it and your skin starts drying out,” said Will Nance.

Kaiser dermatologist Randal Anderson said mild sunburn is not a major problem. But severe sunburn is more than just painful.

“If there is extensive blistering, like with any other burn, it can cause disfigurement and can cause systemic problems,” said Dr. Anderson.

Dr. Anderson said if you are nauseous, dizzy, or dehydrated after a burn, it's time to see a doctor.

But if you are just looking for a little relief for your skin, here are a few tips:

1) Head indoors, and apply cool compresses. 2) Take a cool bath. 3) Add oatmeal, vinegar or baking soda to your bath for added relief. 4) Take a pain reliever like Advil or aspirin.

Some previous sunburn victims said they hate the peeling.

“The peeling is pretty bad, like the lizards and the snakes,” said Ida Lara.

Dr. Anderson said peeling is the body's natural response to a sun burn, and there's no quick fix.

But to help stop burns before they start, take it from a guy who gets paid to be in the sun.

“You got to keep suntan lotion on all the time,” advised Ernesto Fajardo, a lifeguard at Sacramento’s Waterworld USA water park.

Here are a few more tips: 1) Don't put ice on your skin. That would be too cold and could end up doing more damage to your skin. 2) Cover up or wear a sun block with at least 30 sun protection factor. (SPF) 3) Remember peak hours for sun exposure are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and that you need to apply your sunscreen at least 20-30 minutes before heading outdoors, so it can get into the skin.