"Revolting." 

"I can't even look." 

"Imagine waking up next to her in the morning." 

These are all real comments that YouTube vlogger Em Ford has received on videos and Instagram posts of her face, with and without make-up.

Em is the brains behind My Pale Skin, a YouTube channel and blog dedicated to all things beauty. She is also an acne sufferer, and over the years has always covered her face with heavy make-up to hide any blemishes.

Three months ago, Em began sharing images of herself without make-up on social media, not only to make her make-up tutorials more realistic but also to raise awareness of adult acne. While most comments on the posts were complimentary and hugely supportive, others were cruel and hurtful, as is too often the way on the internet.

In an effort to address the effects of online bullying and to show how "social media can set unrealistic expectations," Em put together an emotional video in the hope that it will help other victims of bullying to see that they are not alone.

 

In Em's own words: "You are beautiful – no matter how flawed you feel, no matter how upset you may about the way you look or how hard you find it to make friends, or be confident. Believe in yourself, and never let anyone tell you're not beautiful – not even yourself."