(HealthDay News) -- Sunscreen helps protect your skin from sunburn and damage, but it must be applied properly.

The Skin Cancer Foundation offers these guidelines:

• Choose a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.
• Apply sunscreen to children's skin, as long as they are at least 6 months old. Children younger than 6 months should not be exposed to the sun.
• Make sure you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays,
• Use about 1 ounce of sunscreen for good coverage.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours.
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
• Be aware of how much time you spend in the sun. Your skin doesn't have to turn red to be damaged by the sun's rays.