Skin lightening creams are popular with many African, Asian and Afro-Caribbean people, despite repeated health warnings.

Some of the products contain toxic chemicals which may cause skin irritation, bleaching, or even infection, say medics from west London's Hammersmith Hospital.

Countries such as Nigeria, Gambia, Uganda and Kenya have banned the importation and manufacture of products containing skin lightening agents but local concoctions which may contain chlorine bleach, hair relaxer creams and lime juice are still being used in many instances.

Have you ever used skin lightening products? And were you happy with the outcome? Do lighter skinned people have better advantages in life? How common is this trend in your country? Send us your views.