For girl with acne problems, beauty is only skin deep

PETALING JAYA: Having an unblemished face is the dream of every woman, but Sabahan Charisa Debully Francis is not losing sleep over her pimple-riddled visage.

The Kota Kinabalu-born lass’ family spent thousands of ringgit in an attempt to resolve the problem but with no improvement in sight.

Turning to social media, Charisa attracted both praise and scorn when she uploaded her photo on Instagram.

The first-year Diploma in Music student at Sabah Arts Institute has more than 15,000 followers.

She was unperturbed by the hurtful remarks, saying she was merely trying to be herself in uploading her photo unaltered.

The 18-year-old said she wanted to inspire and motivate others with her condition, adding that they should not shy away because of their unusual facial condition.

“Many asked me why I did not see a doctor to remove the horrible scars, and I tell them that my parents had spent thousands of ringgit to no effect,” she said when contacted by mStar online.

The daughter of a theology lectur- er said she used social media to highlight her stance, which is that beauty is not about having an “unblemished face” but about having a positive attittude.

“I used to shy away from my fellow schoolmates when I was in Form Five and the snide remarks would hurt me.

“Little did they know that I threw up after taking six antibiotic tablets a day to prevent the pimples from spreading.

“I stopped after the doctor advised me not to do so anymore,’ she revealed.

Charisa said anyone with her problem was sure to face some stress and depression.

Her advice to them: “Be yourself, be confident and have faith in God and your family.”