What started as a day in the park or fun at the beach has landed you with a red, burning, peeling, itchy battle wound that makes you wonder if humans were actually meant to live on Earth at all.

Sunburns are a major cause of . According to some studies, five or more sunburns more than double your chances of developing deadly melanoma, and the chances of a burn increase the higher the UV index that day ¡ª a constant concern given Japan¡¯s extended and amplified summer heat.

Whether you¡¯re someone with deep or olive-toned skin or a pasty vampire like me, all sun exposure causes damage. Even tanned skin indicates harm to the epidermis, dermis, and, most importantly, .

The silver lining to the inevitability of getting a sunburn in Japan means there are numerous products out there to help you recover as quickly as possible.

In addition to hydrating (burnt, inflamed skin will draw fluid away from the rest of your body, potentially exacerbating dehydration symptoms from a full day in the sun) and the occasional painkiller for particularly nasty sunburns, this is sunburn 101 advice for most people. The aloe vera succulent plant is one small shred of evidence that perhaps the universe does love us. The pulp from the leaves of aloe vera contain the gel acemannan, which has been to relieve topical conditions such as burns, frostbite, rashes, psoriasis, dry skin and, of course, sunburns.

Many people champion the pure gel of the aloe vera plant if you happen to have a potted aloe plant on hand. For most, however, the more accessible and effective products are or , both available in Japan online and in most drug stores like Welcia and Tomod¡¯s. In a pinch, can also be helpful.

A final hack is to chill the aloe gel in the refrigerator before application for optimal relief.

Besides drinking water, your skin can also be rehydrated with lotions and toners. The best products for sunburns are made from bases other than alcohol (as these strip your skin of its moisture) and petroleum jelly or oil (as these can block pores so that sweat cannot escape).

Facial masks like and the are excellent products that soothe and cool skin. Muji¡¯s skin lotion is another clear, non-alcohol-based moisturizer that can help prevent peeling. And everyone¡¯s favorite is an excellent substitute for pure aloe vera.

A final tip for beard-growing friends: Shaving a burned and peeling face is a terrible experience, or so I hear. Switching to...