Scientists have confirmed that people who use sunbeds are at an increased risk of developing three common types of skin cancer.

It has long been known that indoor tanning increases the overall risk of skin cancer. Now, this latest study confirms that sunbeds increase the risk of at least three common cancers - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

US researchers followed the progress of almost 75,000 women between 1989 and 2009. The women's use of sunbeds was monitored while they were at school and college and again when they were aged between 25 and 35.

The study found a dose-response risk. In other words, the more a woman used a sunbed, the higher her risk of developing skin cancer.

Overall, the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma rose by 15% for every four times a woman used a sunbed per year, when compared with non-users. Meanwhile, the risk of developing melanoma rose by 11%.

"The use during high school/college had a stronger effect on the increased risk for basal cell carcinoma compared with use during ages 25 to 35," the researchers noted.

They added that the results should be used to ‘warn the public against future use of tanning beds'.

Details of these findings were presented at an international conference organised by the American Association for Cancer Research in Boston.