20 People Who Prove Just How Beautiful Birthmarks Are

Too often people with birthmarks are stared at, laughed at or even told to hide their natural skin color. As I publicly share about my life with a facial birthmark, I constantly hear stories from people whose husbands make them wear makeup to bed, or whose parents put makeup on them when they were 2. Yet, in reality, birthmarks add a beautiful splash of color in the world – just like the people wearing them.

One of my least favorite questions people (without a birthmark) ask me about life with a birthmark is, “When did you finally become confident in who you were with your birthmark?” The truth is, I don’t remember not embracing it, not finding the beauty in it. While I know that’s not the story for many people with birthmarks — and it’s completely OK if people decide to flaunt or hide their birthmarks — we at The Mighty wanted to take a moment to celebrate the natural beauty of them and those who embrace them.

Surveying the birthmark community and asking them why they find their birthmarks to be beautiful, these were their responses: 

1. “I find my birthmark beautiful in many ways but mostly because it’s an unconventional, non-traditional, unique flaw that stands above and beyond the societal normalities, and I love that.” — Paige

2. “I love my birthmark because it makes me a more compassionate person and nurse!” — Courtney

3. “Birthmarks are beautiful because they make us special – and sometimes they are purple and that’s my favorite color, besides pink.” — Charlotte

4. “I have the amazing opportunity to teach my children, through example, on true beauty. That it’s OK to be different and that society does not define a person’s beauty.” — Rachel

5. “I love my birthmark because not very many people have one like mine.” — Ross

6. “I love my birthmark because it makes me who I am. Without it, I wouldn’t be so unique!” — Brandy

7. “My birthmark is my favorite color, pink! It’s super natural to me, like the color of my eyes.”  — Naomi

8. “For me, my birthmark is something that helped me get out of depression and rebuilt my whole value system. As a child, I was getting only negative perception on that from people. In the years to come, I was covering it for everyone. None of my friends knew I had it. By posting my photos on the internet and surrounding myself with the right people, I’ve discovered the strength that comes from my birthmark. The uniqueness, confidence, filter for toxic people, standing out in a crowd and being remembered. In last month I have been picked up by guys, performed on the scene, worked with clients, worked with children – all that with my birthmark on full display. I’ve believed it is possible, I made people believe it is possible. It is like new life for me. My birthmark is beautiful because it is beautiful for me and the right people. Because beauty comes with confidence, and my birthmark is a confidence booster for me.” – Ania

9. “I love my birthmark because, through my differences, I have come to view the world with more acceptance.” – Dominique

10. “To say I think Sloan is beautiful is an understatement. Her strength and resilience have only amplified her beauty. I love that she is uniquely different and was given this birthmark because she was meant to stand out and shine brighter than others. I’m a blessed mama to call her mine.” — Jenny

11. “Unique is beautiful. ‘To the world, you are my son. But to me, you are my world.’” — Laura

12. “I think my birthmark is beautiful because, it makes me, me!” — Jeana

13. “This is my daughter, Harley. She is 6 years old, and when she talks about her birthmark she says that is what makes her who she is, Harley.” — Melanie

14. “I love my birthmark. It speaks for me. It changes depending on how I’m feeling, if I’m hot or cold. And its anything but subtle, just like me!” — Shannon

15. “My birthmark makes me special and unique.” — Cade

16. “I think all birthmarks are beautiful! I love how each one has its own special shape and color! I think it’s amazing how a similar ‘stain’ can connect so many people!” — Amanda Bryam

17. “God designed me this way, and he loves me like I am!” — Debra

18. “I don’t always appreciate my birthmark for its beauty… but when I do it is because it makes me unique, makes me memorable, and it helps me connect to others who are ‘different.’ I’m a therapist and work with many folks with an autism spectrum diagnosis. Mutually understanding the challenges of being ‘different’ from others is often a great starting point for us.” — Kristen

19. “My port wine stain (PWS) is beautiful. I love being different. The world is full of skin tones of every shade from black to white, but I have a splash of pink. Now that’s color!” — Kelley

20.”I think she is perfectly beautiful. Her birthmark makes her unique and she wouldn’t be Isabella without it!” — Emily