(HealthDay News) — Tanning beds and sun lamps can cause serious long-term skin damage, says the American Cancer Society. Indoor tanning exposes the skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays — the cause of most skin cancer.

A tan is the body’s response to injury from UV rays. Every time you tan, your risk of the deadly skin cancer melanoma increases. Although indoor tanning may seem safe because UV exposure can be controlled, it really isn’t, the society says.

Prolonged outdoor tanning isn’t recommended either. To protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays, the ACS encourages you to cover up, use sunscreen and limit your time in the sun.

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