As a dermatologist, we always promote that the natural color of your skin is the most beautiful,” says board-certified dermatologist Scott Paviol. “‘Tanning’ is really your skin adapting to injury, specifically DNA damage, which increases the likelihood of future skin cancers by making more melanin. Therefore, any activity that you engage in where the goal is to tan the skin via sun exposure or a tanning bed is increasing your risk for skin cancer, and I don't advocate that.