Figures show the number of young people being diagnosed with malignant melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer – has risen sharply over the past two decades.
It is thought that increased sunbed use may be responsible in part for the rise.
Rates across Scotland in this age group have tripled in the last three decades, with around 100 people diagnosed with the disease each year.
That is eight cases per 100,000, up from 2.1 in the late 1970s and higher than the UK average of six.
Around 30 people aged 15-35 are diagnosed in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde each year, with 260 people of all ages falling victim.
Researchers compared rates of skin cancer from 1988-1990 to 2007-2009.
It comes as a new campaign is launched by the Scottish Government and Cancer Research UK warning young people of the dangers of sunbed use and excessive sun.
A UV skin scanner will tour Scottish shopping malls between October 15 and 28.
The charity warns that UV rays from sunbeds or over exposure to the sun can damage the skin's DNA and, over time, this damage can build up and lead to skin cancer.
Jaqui Carruthers, from Bishopton, Renfrewshire, was a self-confessed "sun-worshipper" before she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma aged 29, just after her son Jude was born.
Jaqui, now 33, was referred to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley after she noticed a mole on her back had changed colour and was raised.
She said: "I used sunbeds because I thought they gave me a healthy glow and, when I had a tan, I would feel better about myself.
"Now I can't bear to see people going into sunbed shops."
The R UV Ugly? campaign has also been backed by Glasgow-born Crow Road and Lip Services actress Valerie Edmond.
She said: "I hope this campaign will help people to say no to sunbeds."
Vicky Crichton, of Cancer Research UK, said: "We'd like sunbed users in Scotland to come and take a look for themselves at some of the damage that may be lurking under their skin."
You can use the skin scanner at the St Enoch Centre from October 19-21.
caroline.wilso@ eveningtimes.co.uk
