evidence: Sunburns and tans are caused by UVB radiation. The sun emits both UVA and UVB radiation, both of which damage your skin and DNA and increase your risk of skin cancer. "I hear all the time, ‘but my burn turns into a tan,’" says Weeraratna. But both burns and tans are signs of damage. [...] Acral lentiginous melanoma—the most common melanoma in people of color—is not caused by sun exposure, and there are no known ways to prevent it, so early detection is essential to increasing the success of treatment. [...] Skin cancer can be caused by more than just UV radiation. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, other things can increase your risk of skin cancer, including: