The human skin is delicate and reacts to prolonged exposure to sun light especially the Ultra Violet light. Prolonged exposure to sun rays leads to red inflamed skin which can cause itching and burning sensations. Too long an exposure to sun, can have detrimental long term effects on the skin.
There are many sun protection creams available in the market with variable SPF levels. In general, what ever cream, you use, you need to re apply same every 2-3 hours for it to remain effective.
The best protection against sun burn is to wear long sleeved cotton shirts and pants and try to protect the neck and face with sunglasses and a sun hat. Incase this is not possible and the desire to get a tan is strong, then you need to be prepared for a sun burn which can happen to anyone.
In general, dark skins are better equipped to handle harsh sun compared to light skinned people. This is nature's way to protect people in harsh climatic conditions.
If the skin has been sun burnt, some natural remedies that you can use are as follows.
These remedies are effective in light sun burn cases and will provide relief after the first application itself. You will need to repeat them every six hours for a complete solution.

An easy to use remedy is to take 3 tablespoons of milk and add a pinch of soda bicarbonate to the same. Dab this mixture on the face and affected areas with a cotton swab. Let it dry naturally and wash off with cold water after fifteen minutes. You will find a cool sensation and relief. Repeat this remedy, 4 - 5 times to find complete cure.

Another remedy suited especially to oily skin which has been sun burnt is to mix one tea spoon of potato juice with one teaspoon of lemon juice in a cup. Apply this mixture with a cotton swab to the affected area and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water to find relief. Repeat 3 - 4 times every six hours to find a change in complexion and relief from that sun burn.

If the skin perspires and smells bad and is sun burnt the following remedy will be useful. Add 20 ml of rose water to 5 ml of lime juice and apply with a cotton swab to the affected areas. Leave this overnight and get up in the morning smelling fresh. Wash off with cold water to find relief from sun burns.

Banana is a natural skin whitener and used in many beauty treatments also. Mash a banana in a cup and apply it on the affected areas. Leave on for 15 minutes and then wash off with cold water. Repeat this every six hours to find relief from sun burns.

It is highly recommended that prolonged exposure to the sun be avoided. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause many long term problems including premature wrinkling, skin discoloration and in severe cases, a form of skin cancer. Severe sun burn cases need to be treated in a specialized hospital as they are a serious skin condition. Stay safe..