Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes; all colors and forms; all ages and weights.
In the past few years, many brave souls have taken to the Internet to spread their heartwarming messages about embracing one's true beauty, no matter what critics may think.
They've made it their mission to encourage confidence in others who are struggling with their image — like this woman who has learned to love her hundreds of birthmarks.
Most recently, a young woman from England has recently shared a few snaps of her face on Imgur, displaying her large, red birthmark to the world.
After deciding that she no longer wanted to use makeup to cover it up, Lexxie Harford has a few stirring words for us all.
"A lot of people are curious, or a lot of people with birthmarks cover them, so I like to show it off to raise awareness," she wrote.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments — may her words move and inspire you, too!
[H/T: ABC News]
Lexxie Harford, 23, first realized she looked different than everyone else when she was just 9 years old.
She was born with a large, red facial birthmark, which covers a large portion of the right side of her face.
For years, Lexxie had covered her birthmark up with makeup.
However, after finishing college, she decided that she was prepared to step out without covering up.
For the first time, she would embrace her natural beauty.
But recently, the England native was asked by producers to appear on the TV documentary series, Too Ugly for Love?
The show features people with “disabilities” or “medical conditions” who are looking for love.
Lexxie quickly turned down the offer.
To explain her reason, she posted pictures of herself on the Internet.
“If [people with birthmarks] accepted themselves, they really wouldn’t go on a show like that. I would try and get that person to see themselves differently,” she said.
The photos she posted have since gotten more than 100,000 views.
Many commenters have expressed both their support and admiration of her decision to raise awareness.
“I always wanted to show a birthmark with an open line of communication, where people could ask lots of questions,” she said. “I understand why people are upset or offended or want to cover it up.”
Lexxie’s only wish is to build confidence in those who feel insecure in their own skin, and to clarify any confusion that people may have about birthmarks.
Many people have mistaken her birthmark for a bruise in the past — some have even asked if she was in an abusive relationship.
“I’m really comfortable and I don’t get offended easily,” said Lexxie, saying that she welcomes questions and curiosity.
Since posting her thoughts online, Lexxie has been contacted by mothers who are worried about their children’s birthmarks, and about how they would cope.
But to Lexxie, the key is to not look at birthmarks with fear.
Rather, it’s in gradually feeling comfortable enough to show it off to everyone else.
“I know some people have laser surgery and I don’t think that’s wrong at all,” said Lexxie.
“You have to do what makes you comfortable, and I feel comfortable like this.”
Please SHARE if you think all birthmarks are beautiful!
