BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Skin cancer is on the rise -- particularly among young people, likely due to increased use of tanning beds and more time spent in the sun.

But a new study has suggested that moisturizing creams may also play a role.

Scientists from Rutgers tested four moisturizers -- Dermabase, Dermovan, Eucerin and Vanicream -- on hairless mice at high risk for skin cancer.

The animals were exposed to ultraviolet light to mimic the sun's rays. Results showed that mice treated with the moisturizers grew 69 percent more tumors than untreated mice.

Researchers theorized that certain ingredients in the creams may increase the growth of DNA-damaged skin cells, leading to more tumors.

They have developed a moisturizer that does not increase tumors in mice that they hope to one day market to humans.

But some experts have said this research may not be applicable to people. They said the skin on hairless mice is not an acceptable stand-in for human flesh, and there is no evidence that these creams are detrimental to people.