What sunscreen to use for children?

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From Seattle Mama Doc:

"When you sit in the sun, you get exposed to both UVA and UVB light. Think of UVB light as the light that Burns, and UVA light as the light that causes your skin to Age (wrinkle).

The SPF in your sunscreen only takes care of the UVB light. Most sunscreens now have notes like, “Avotriplex” or “Helioplex” that covers both UVB/UVA rays. You need sunscreen that covers both.

Look for avobenzone (Parsol 1789) UVA blocker, Mexoryl (ecamsule) UVA blocker, titanium dioxide (UVA and B) and zinc oxide (UVA and B). A shot glass of sunscreen should be used for the body and apply at least every 2-3 hours.

It’s not the brand or the SPF number that matters the most. What matters most is how you use sunscreen. If you can, apply sunscreen about 1/2 hour before your kids go outside. It is absorbed into the skin better this way."

References:

Protecting Children In The Sun: What To Use & Why, 2010.

Study confirms sunscreen prevents melanoma http://goo.gl/16Vqd

Can You Get Sunburned Through a Car Window? http://goo.gl/M7Fwv - No, but penetrating UVA rays may be related to left-sided skin cancers.

Image source: Amazon, for illustration only, not a suggestion to buy any products.