BOSTON -- There's new hope for people with fair skin who are prone to burning in the summer sun, researchers said.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported that the tests so far have been done only on mice, but Boston researchers believe a plant-based potion may help train the skin to tan naturally, lessening the risk of dangerous skin cancers.

For those who burn instead of tan, the ultraviolet rays are increasing the risk of skin cancer, researchers at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital said.

"We're hopeful that this will provide a new layer of protection," said lead researcher Dr. David Fisher.

Researchers studied fair skinned mice and applied a cream that contains a chemical called Forskalin, found in type of mint plant. It worked as a sunless tanner. But unlike other sunless tanners, Forskalin actually darkened the pigment in the skin and acted as a solar shield.

"When we challenged these individuals with subsequent ultraviolet exposure, they were very significantly protected from UV. As we expected, they would probably be protected from sun exposure," Fisher said.

Fisher said if the compound would do the same for humans, it could be a lifesaver, making a dent in the most common type and fastest growing cancer -- skin cancer. Skin cancer now accounts for nearly half of all cancer cases, experts said.

"And ultimately, this would be great if this was able to protect different types of skin damage or cancer," Fisher said.

But Fisher pointed out that Forskalin is nowhere near ready for humans to use.

"We need to know the potential side effects, the toxicity. We need to know whether or not this would be effective in human skin," he said.

Fisher said sunscreen is key in the prevention of skin cancer.

The study appears in the journal Nature.