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Sadly many Black and Asian women are sold the idea that lighter skin is more desirable, forcing some to resort to creams to try to change their colour.

The exclusive investigation has uncovered a disturbing trade in illegal skin bleaching cream, and we're not talking under the counter. The bleaches contain an ingredient which is carcinogenic - and unlawful.

Twelve shops were investigated in Northamptonshire, and four in Northampton were found to be selling the products containing the prohibited cancer-causing chemical hydroquinone.

They are being openly sold in shops across the county, as the BBC's David Whiteley reports:

Dr Olivia Stevenson is a consultant dermatologist at Kettering General Hospital. She spoke to the BBC about the use of the bleach hydroquinone, which is against the law. She explained what the long term effects are of using the bleach:

The effects do sound bad for people who apply it to their skin, yet it can be prescribed by dermatologists. However, Dr Stevenson says the bleach should only be for medical use:

The question is then raised as to why people buy creams that contain the bleach despite it being prohibited and damaging to people's skin. However, Dr Stevenson can understand why some people continue to purchase these skin creams:

Young Black women in Northamptonshire also gave their views on why some people do feel the need to use skin bleaching products:

You can see the entire report on Inside Out (in the East region) at 7.30pm on BBC1 on Friday, 23rd February 2007.