BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Achieving a golden tan by fake baking in a tanning bed may look good but a new study shows it is anything but good for you.

International cancer experts now say the risk of getting cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30.

After an analysis of about 20 studies, researchers conclude that tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation can be considered a carcinogen, ranking up there with arsenic, tobacco and the hepatitis B virus.

Dr.Geover Fernandez, a dermatologist for Kaiser Permanente, said the latest findings are really no surprise.

"We do know that ultraviolet light is one of the elements that lead to malignant melanoma including genetic components. And what I mean by ultraviolet light that is actually including tanning beds and going to the beach and being exposed to the sun," said Fernandez.

Tanning has become a cultural phenomenon that has become increasing popular with young girls. Experts are saying this popular trend can lead to serious consequences.

"Those patients are very common but one thing the study does not point out is what is the normal behavior of the patient who normally tans in tanning beds. I'm sure those patients are also tanning outside of tanning beds, and outdoors," said Fernandez.

Rhonda Van Tassell of Euro Tan said it is unfair for the study to claim all tanning beds are damaging.

"Not all tanning beds are considered equal or are they built the same," said Van Tassell.

Van Tassell is talking about the Euro Bed, which she said incorporates a technology developed in Europe that filter out the damaging wavelengths.

"It's just like saying cars are dangerous because we have people that die in car accidents every day. I suppose you can make the argument that if you are driving a Pinto it is dangerous. But there are cars that get us from point A to B every single day. The same with a tanning bed, is that in our environment, we have taken all the precautions in ensuring there is a limited amount of exposure to the portion of the spectrum that tans you and all the negative portions are left," said Van Tassell.

While tanning salons promote responsible tanning, Fernandez said there is no such thing.