As a licensed esthetician, i'm asked a lot about moles and what can be done about them. My answer is always that it is not within my scope of practice to diagnose or treat moles. But, I can tell you why you may be experiencing the appearance of moles.
What are moles?
Moles usually appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigment-forming cells (melanocytes), which are cells that produce the melanin responsible for the color of your skin. Moles (nevi) are a common type of skin growth. Most people have 10 to 40 moles that appear during childhood and adolescence and may change in appearance or fade over time.
Why do you have Moles?
While the exact reason why some people have more moles than others is not fully understood, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as sun exposure. Most moles are harmless, but it's important to keep an eye on them and have them checked by a dermatologist if you notice any changes in size, shape, or color.
The four most common types of moles are junctional, compound, dermal, and atypical.
Junctional moles are usually brown and flat, while Compound moles are raised and may have hair growing from them.
Dermal moles are flesh-colored and may be raised or flat.
Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, are larger and may have irregular borders and color variations.
Are Moles more frequent after 30?
It is common for moles to appear and change throughout a person's life, and they may become more frequent after the age of 30. It is recommended to protect your skin from sun exposure to reduce the risk of developing new moles.
How to know when a mole needs to be checked?
It's recommended to have a dermatologist check any mole that looks different from your other moles or has changed in size, shape or color. Also, any mole that bleeds, itches or is painful should be checked.
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