Sunscreen should be applied to all children, 15-30 minutes before going out in sun.It is more important for fair skinned children.Dark skinned children have more melanin in their skin to protect from bad effects of sun.But they should also apply sunscreen as the protection that is inherent is not sufficient.Children below 6 months of age should be protected by loose clothes covering all vulnerable areas and hat with brim should be put before going going out in sun.Exposed areas like outer surface of hands should be protected by sunscreen cream or lotion.
According to American Academy of Dermatology,the sunscreen for children should have SPF(Sun protection factor) of at least 30.The sunscreen comes in the market in different formulations,like cream,lotion,gel,and sticks.Sticks can be used for area around eyes and gel can be used on hairy area like scalp.Sunscreen should be applied in sufficient amount.It should be water proof which remains effective for about one hour in water like in swimming pools. If it is not water proof,it should immediately bereapplied while coming out of swimming pool.It should also be sweat proof.If not ,then reapplied after sweating.Usually it should be applied 2 hourly.It should be protective from both UVA and UVB,(Ultraviolet A and B)