DIANA PASTUHOVA

I don’t remember being bullied much because of my peculiarity. But there were always strange looks, of course. My grandmother once told me (no idea why) that I could never become an actress with my looks, and it stuck in my mind. It was quite difficult to feel beautiful after such words.

I have learned to ignore people’s glances and not to take their comments personally. Of course, there is always increased attention. The most common question is: “Who hurt you?”, which is commonly asked by the middle-aged men, or children who ask their parents about my face.

My way to self-acceptance was long and challenging. For example, until the age of 16, I did not post photos showing my face on the social network, and I got an Instagram account much later than my peers.

Today I am quite satisfied with my appearance. Ironically enough, melanoma is not on the list of things I would like to change in myself. I know that people like my appearance despite that feature. And those who truly love me don’t care what I look like.

Frankly speaking, today I am more concerned with the fact that melanoma can easily go into the active phase of skin cancer, rather than with the aesthetic side of the issue. It is necessary to avoid getting UV-radiation on the face and have a regular check-up at a dermatologist (which, by the way, all people with a large number of moles should do).

I would like to wish to all people with unique beauty to see the advantages of it. 

Do not get obsessed with them, and be kind to yourselves. You can be your own worst enemy in your self-loathing, or you can be your best friend. 

Then the opinion of others will not matter.