Causes and Risk Factors for Moles

Why do moles form? In most cases, moles occur simply due to a combination of genetics and normal skin development. You may notice that moles “run in families” – your genetic makeup influences how many moles you have and what they look likeclearcreekdermatology.com. Some people naturally have more moles than others.

Beyond genetics, a few key factors can contribute to the development of new moles or changes in moles:

• Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major environmental factor that can lead to new moles forming and existing moles changing. Moles often appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, and greater cumulative sun exposure (especially intense sunburns in childhood) is linked to having more molesmy.clevelandclinic.orgclearcreekdermatology.com. Protecting your skin from the sun may help slow the development of some types of moles and, importantly, will reduce the risk of those moles turning into something harmful. (More on sun protection in a later section.)
  
  
• Hormonal Changes: Shifts in hormones can stimulate melanocytes and affect moles. It’s common to see new moles or changes in existing ones during puberty or pregnancy, due to the hormonal fluctuations in these life stagesclearcreekdermatology.com. For example, moles might enlarge or darken slightly during pregnancy. These changes are usually uniform and benign – however, any odd-looking or uneven change should still be checked (see the next section on warning signs).
  
  
• Skin Type: Individuals with fair skin (especially those who freckle or burn easily, or who have red or blonde hair) tend to develop more moles and are generally at higher risk for skin damage from UV light. Fair-skinned people, as well as those with naturally many moles, need to be extra vigilant about sun protection and skin monitoringskinhealthinfo.org.uk.
  
  
• Family and Personal History: If your close relatives have numerous moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles, you may inherit that tendencyclearcreekdermatology.com. A family history of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) also raises concern – it means you should have regular skin checks. Likewise, if you yourself have had a lot of moles (for instance, well over 20-50 moles) or have had atypical moles in the past, your overall risk of melanoma is higher than averageskinhealthinfo.org.uk. This doesn’t mean any one mole is dangerous, but you should stay watchful as a preventative measure.
  
  

Bottom line: Most harmless moles are caused by normal clustering of pigment cells influenced by your genes, and they often appear early in life. Sun exposure can increase the number of moles you get, and hormonal phases can bring about new moles or slight changes in them. Having fair skin or a large number of moles increases the need for careful monitoring (since these factors correlate with higher skin cancer risk). The next section will outline what to watch for, even though the typical mole is not dangerous.

When to Be Concerned: Warning Signs in Moles

Because moles are so common, it’s important to know which changes might indicate a problem. A harmless mole, by definition, stays relatively stable in size, shape, and color over time. However, melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can sometimes develop in or near a mole. It’s uncommon, but catching it early is critical. So, as a patient, you should be aware of the warning signs that a mole may need medical evaluation.

Dermatologists often teach patients the “ABCDE” criteria as a simple guide for suspicious features in a moleclearcreekdermatology.com:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half in shape. (Harmless moles are usually symmetric and round/oval.)clearcreekdermatology.com
  
  
• B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, blurred, or poorly defined. (Harmless moles tend to have smooth, clear borders.)clearcreekdermatology.com
  
  
• C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven coloring within a mole. You might see various shades of brown, black, red, blue, or white in the same lesion. (A normal mole usually has one uniform color)clearcreekdermatology.com.
  
  
• D – Diameter: Larger than about 6 mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser). Some experts use this as a rough guideline – many benign moles are smaller than this, although note that some benign moles can be larger, and melanomas can sometimes be smallerclearcreekdermatology.com.
  
  
• E – Evolving: Any change or evolution in the mole’s size, shape, color, or other traits – or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting. A mole that looks different from your others or is noticeably changing over time (“ugly duckling” sign) should be checkedclearcreekdermatology.com.
  
  

In addition to the ABCDEs, pay attention to symptoms. A mole that itches, bleeds, ulcerates (forms a sore), or becomes tender for no apparent reason warrants a prompt medical exammy.clevelandclinic.org. These symptoms are not typical of a harmless mole. Also, watch for any mole that repeatedly scabs or refuses to heal, as this is abnormal.

Another tip: most people’s benign moles look somewhat similar to each other – so if one lesion stands out as different (the “ugly duckling”), have it examined. And as mentioned earlier, new moles develop less commonly after about age 30. If you’re an adult and notice a brand-new mole in your 30s or beyond, it’s likely still harmless, but it’s a good idea to have a doctor take a lookmy.clevelandclinic.org.

When in doubt, check it out. You don’t need to run to the doctor for every tiny spot, but you should err on the side of caution if a mole displays any of the above red flags. Dermatologists have special tools (like dermatoscopes) to examine moles more closely and can perform a biopsy (removing a small sample or the whole mole) if needed to determine if it’s benign or malignant. Early evaluation and detection is the key to managing any potential skin cancer effectively.

High-risk individuals (for example, those with 50 or more moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or very atypical moles) should consider regular full skin exams with a dermatologistaad.org. But even for everyone else, it’s wise to do monthly self-skin checks at home – use a mirror or ask someone to help check hard-to-see areas like your back. By being familiar with your own moles, you’ll be more likely to notice if any one of them starts to change or stand out.

Treatment Options for Harmless Moles

For most harmless moles, no medical treatment is necessary. If a mole is benign and not causing you any trouble, you can simply leave it alone. Many people choose to keep their moles and just monitor them. In fact, doing nothing is often the safest and simplest approach for normal moles. Remember that removing a mole will generally leave some form of scar, so the benefit should outweigh that downside.

That said, there are a few common reasons why you might opt to remove a benign mole:

1. Uncertain Diagnosis: If there is any doubt about whether a mole is truly benign (for example, if it has atypical features), a doctor will recommend removal so the tissue can be examined under a microscope. This biopsy is the definitive way to rule out melanomaskinhealthinfo.org.uk. In such cases, removing the mole is part of making sure it isn’t something dangerous.
   
   
2. Repeated Irritation or Injury: Moles that are in inconvenient locations – for instance, a raised mole that constantly rubs against a shirt collar or bra strap, or one that you nick while shaving – can become sore or inflamed. If a mole is getting traumatized regularly, removal can prevent ongoing discomfort or skin damageskinhealthinfo.org.uk. Patients often elect to remove protruding moles that snag on clothing or jewelry.
   
   
3. Cosmetic Concerns: You may simply dislike the appearance of a mole (for example, a large mole on the face) and wish to have it removed for cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic mole removal is very common and generally safe when done professionally. (Do note that purely cosmetic mole removals are usually considered elective and may not be covered by public health systems or insurance)skinhealthinfo.org.uk.
   
   

If you and your doctor decide that a mole should be removed, there are several treatment methods available. The choice of method depends on factors like the mole’s size, depth, and location, as well as whether a biopsy is needed. Below is an overview of the main mole removal techniques:

• Surgical Excision: This is the traditional “cutting out” of the mole with a minor surgery. The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and the doctor uses a scalpel (or sometimes a surgical punch tool) to remove the entire mole down to its roots, often along with a small margin of normal skin around itdermatologynorthsydney.com.au. The wound is then closed with stitches. Excision is the preferred method if there is any suspicion of cancer, because it allows the removed tissue to be sent to pathology for analysis. It completely removes the mole in one go, and the trade-off is a small scar line (how big depends on the mole’s size; doctors usually use techniques to minimize scarring)dermatologynorthsydney.com.audermatologynorthsydney.com.au. Stitches typically stay in for 1–2 weeks (depending on the location) before removal. This method has the highest chance of the mole never returning, since the entire lesion is cut out.
  
  
• Shave Excision: In this technique, the mole is shaved off flush with the surrounding skin using a small blade. It’s done under local anesthetic like excision, but no stitches are neededdermatologynorthsydney.com.au. The doctor often uses an electrocautery instrument or laser to gently feather the edges and seal any bleeding – this helps blend the site with surrounding skin and can lessen scar formationdermatologynorthsydney.com.au. Shave removal is an excellent option for raised, benign moles that stick out from the skin. It is usually quick and results in a flat wound that heals into a faint mark. Because only the surface portion of the mole is removed, sometimes the deeper part of the mole’s cells may remain – meaning there is a slight chance the mole could gradually grow back in the future. However, many shaved moles do not return, and the cosmetic outcome is often very good (just a small round scar or lighter patch)dermatologynorthsydney.com.au. Shave excision is typically not used if melanoma is suspected, since it may not remove the full depth of the lesion; but for confirmed harmless moles it’s a common cosmetic solution.
  
  
• Laser Removal: Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses concentrated light energy to break down the mole tissue. At our clinic, we offer laser removal for suitable benign moles using advanced laser technology (more details in the next section). Laser removal involves aiming specific laser wavelengths at the mole to heat and destroy the pigment cells, causing the mole to gradually fade or slough offcoastalskinandlaser.com.au. There is no cutting and usually no bleeding. This method works best for relatively flat, pigmented moles rather than very raised or deep onesdermatologynorthsydney.com.au. The procedure may feel like a brief snapping or stinging sensation, but is generally well-tolerated and can often be done without injection anesthesia. There’s usually no downtime – the treated area might form a scab or crust that heals over 1-2 weeks. Scarring is minimal for laser-treated moles; in fact, lasers are designed to target the mole while sparing most of the surrounding skin, which can lead to a cleaner cosmetic result in many cases. However, laser does not provide a tissue sample for biopsy. For this reason, laser removal is only advised for moles that are clearly benign. If a mole has any atypical features, it should be surgically excised instead so that pathology can be donecoastalskinandlaser.com.au. Our doctors will always examine a mole first (often with a dermatoscope) to confirm it’s safe for laser. Typically, small cosmetic moles on the face or body can be lasered effectively. Some moles may require more than one laser session to fully eliminate, depending on their size and depthdermatologynorthsydney.com.au. We will let you know in advance if multiple treatments might be needed. (We discuss our laser technology in detail below.)
  
  
• Cryotherapy: This method uses extreme cold (usually liquid nitrogen) to “freeze off” skin lesions. Cryotherapy is commonly used for warts and certain other benign growths. It is less often used for moles, but in some cases a superficial benign mole or pigmented spot can be treated with cryotherapy. The liquid nitrogen is applied to the mole, causing it to blister and fall off over days to weeks. There is no cutting or needles, and scarring is usually small (a lighter or darker spot can remain). However, cryotherapy is imprecise compared to other methods – it may not remove the entire mole, especially if the mole’s cells extend deeper into the skin, so the mole could partially regrow. And like laser, it doesn’t provide a tissue sample. Because of these limitations, cryotherapy is generally reserved for clearly benign lesions and small “surface” moles or seborrheic keratoses, rather than typical deeper molescoastalskinandlaser.com.au.
  
  

(Other methods: In some practices, electrocautery or radiofrequency ablation can be used similarly to shave excision – basically burning off the mole at the surface after numbing. These achieve a result similar to laser or shave removal. Chemical mole removal is not an established medical practice, though there are caustic acids that can destroy tissue – these should be avoided outside a physician’s guidance.)

Important: Always have a qualified practitioner evaluate your moles before removal. This ensures that the appropriate method is chosen and, most critically, that a suspicious mole isn’t inappropriately treated with a non-surgical method. A dermatologist will determine if a mole is safe to remove via laser or other means, or if it should be cut out and tested. Never hesitate to ask if a removed mole will be sent to pathology – for any uncertainty, a biopsy is the golden rule.

Advanced Laser Treatment for Benign Moles

We’ve highlighted laser removal as an option for harmless moles – here we’ll expand on how it works and why we use it. At our clinic, we are proud to utilize the Fotona SP Dynamis Pro laser system for mole removal. This is a state-of-the-art medical laser platform that actually contains two complementary laser wavelengths in one deviceclarionmedical.com. In simple terms, one laser (Nd:YAG) penetrates into the deeper layers of skin, and the other laser (Er:YAG) precisely targets the surface. By combining these, the Fotona SP Dynamis can treat a wide range of skin concerns with great precisionclarionmedical.com. For mole removal, we primarily use the laser in a way that ablates (vaporizes) the mole tissue layer by layer. The Er:YAG wavelength is excellent for gently “brushing away” surface imperfections like moles, with very fine control and minimal heat damage to surrounding skinclarionmedical.com. This means we can remove the visible mole while keeping the adjacent skin as untouched as possible, which promotes better cosmetic healing.

What to expect with laser removal: If a mole is suitable for laser therapy, the area will be cleansed and you’ll wear protective eyewear. The treatment usually takes only a few minutes for a single mole. You may feel a warm or slight tingling sensation as the laser pulses on the mole – patients often compare it to a small rubber band snap or a hot pinch, but it’s quite tolerable. (If needed, a numbing cream or local anesthetic can be used, though many times it’s not necessary.) After laser treatment, the mole will darken or form a scab/crust over the next several days as the unwanted tissue is broken down. This crust will flake off on its own within 1–2 weeks, revealing new skin underneath. It’s important not to pick at it during healing. We advise keeping the site clean, dry, and protected with a bit of ointment as directed. Also, avoid sun exposure on the treated spot while it heals (cover with clothing or at least SPF 30 sunscreen) to ensure the new skin doesn’t hyperpigment.

As mentioned, one advantage of laser removal is the typically minimal scarring. Lasers can precisely target the mole’s pigment, often resulting in less collateral injury than cutting might causecoastalskinandlaser.com.au. In many cases, after a few months, the laser-treated site is barely noticeable – perhaps a faint spot slightly lighter or pinker than surrounding skin, which usually fades over time. That said, everyone heals differently. A small risk of a mild scar or temporary color change exists with any method, including lasers. We will give you aftercare instructions to help optimize the healing (for instance, applying vaseline or a scar gel once the area has closed, and sun protection as noted). Overall, cosmetic outcomes with laser are excellent for benign moles in appropriate candidates.

Limitations of laser: We reiterate that laser mole removal is only done for moles that have been assessed as benign. Any mole with suspicious features should be surgically excised instead, so that a pathology exam can confirm the diagnosiscoastalskinandlaser.com.au. Our priority is your health, so we will not laser anything that we think might need a biopsy. Additionally, very large or very deep moles might not clear completely with a single laser session. In some cases, we perform a second treatment after a number of weeks if residual pigment remains (we tailor this to the individual; our goal is complete removal with the best cosmetic outcome, even if it occasionally takes two sessions)dermatologynorthsydney.com.au. We will discuss with you beforehand if we anticipate multiple sessions. Another consideration is mole recurrence: because lasers break up the mole cells rather than cutting them all out, there is a small chance a mole could partially regrow (if some melanocyte cells were left behind). This doesn’t happen often, but if it does, we can evaluate the area and possibly treat it again or opt for excision. Regular skin check-ups remain important even after cosmetic mole removal.

In summary, laser treatment offers a modern, quick, and tissue-sparing way to remove unwanted benign moles. It’s especially useful for cosmetic removals on the face or other visible areas where minimizing scarring is paramountcoastalskinandlaser.com.au. Our clinic’s use of the advanced Fotona SP Dynamis Pro system means you’re getting one of the best technologies available, operated by experienced professionals who prioritize safety. If you have a mole of concern cosmetically, and it’s a good candidate for laser, we’ll be happy to discuss this option with you.

LED Light Therapy and Skin Health

In addition to laser treatments, we also offer LED light therapy as part of our skincare arsenal. LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that can improve overall skin condition and assist in the healing process after procedures like mole removal. Unlike lasers, LED devices do not heat or ablate the tissue; instead, they shine specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin and stimulate cells in various waysmolechex.com.au. This therapy is sometimes called low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. It has become a popular adjunct treatment for rejuvenating the skin, reducing inflammation, and speeding recovery.

How LED light therapy works: Different colors (wavelengths) of LED light have different benefits for the skinmolechex.com.au:

• Red Light: Penetrates into the dermis and boosts the skin’s cellular activity. Red light stimulates collagen and elastin production (the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic) and increases circulation. This helps with anti-aging (reducing fine lines) and also promotes healing. Red light is known to accelerate repair of skin cells and wound healing, which is why we often use red LED therapy on fresh scars or post-procedure areas to help them heal bettermolechex.com.au.
  
  
• Blue Light: Has antibacterial effects. Blue LED is commonly used to treat acne by killing the acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface and reducing oil production. While acne isn’t related to moles, this is part of our LED offerings for overall skin health. Blue light can also calm active breakouts and prevent new ones.
  
  
• Green Light: Targets pigmentation. Green wavelengths can help fade dark spots or hyperpigmentation by inhibiting excess melanin productionmolechex.com.au. This can lead to a more even skin tone. (If you have freckles or sun spots in addition to moles, green light might help brighten those areas.) It’s not going to remove a mole, but it can improve the overall evenness of your complexion.
  
  
• Amber/Yellow Light: Soothing and anti-inflammatory. Amber light helps to calm redness in sensitive or irritated skin and can assist in reducing swelling. It’s good for conditions like rosacea or simply to reduce redness after treatmentsmolechex.com.aumolechex.com.au.
  
  

Often, LED devices combine a couple of these colors or cycle through them, depending on the skin concerns being addressed. A typical LED phototherapy session involves sitting or lying under an array of lights or wearing an LED mask for about 15-20 minutes. It’s painless – you just feel a warm light – and requires no downtime at all. We frequently include an LED session after procedures (like after laser mole removal or other laser treatments) because it can reduce post-treatment redness and inflammation, and potentially speed up the skin’s recovery.

Is LED therapy safe? Yes, very. LED treatments are non-thermal (no heat damage) and do not use UV light, so they do not carry the risks associated with UV exposuremolechex.com.au. The light is of visible or near-infrared wavelengths which do not cause skin burning or DNA damage. LED is safe for virtually all skin types and tones – there’s no risk of hyperpigmentation or burning, as long as proper protocols are followed. Side effects are extremely minimal; at most, some people might experience a bit of temporary skin brightness or tightness after a session, but no pain or peeling. Even sensitive skin tolerates LED well. It’s so safe that it’s often recommended as a regular maintenance therapy for those who want to keep their skin in optimal conditionmolechex.com.au.

How LED can help you: For our patients with moles or those who’ve undergone mole removal, LED therapy can be a useful complement. While LED won’t shrink a mole or remove it, red LED light can help the skin heal after a removal procedure by boosting collagen and reducing inflammation at the sitemolechex.com.au. This could mean a nicer final scar outcome and faster resolution of any redness. Additionally, if you’re starting a new skincare routine (for example, focusing on sun protection and anti-aging to prevent new sun damage), periodic LED treatments can enhance your skin’s overall glow, texture, and clarity. It’s a relaxing treatment – many patients use it as a quick “skin boost” with no side effects. Think of it as helping your skin cells function at their best.

In summary, LED therapy is “food for your skin” in terms of light energy. It is accessible, safe, and effective for a broad range of skin benefitsmolechex.com.au. We make use of this technology to support our patients’ skin health, especially in combination with other treatments. If you’re interested in LED sessions (either standalone or as part of your post-mole-removal care), we’d be happy to discuss a plan tailored to your skin’s needs.

Skin Care Tips and Cosmeceuticals for Patients with Moles

Taking care of your skin can help keep your moles healthy and prevent avoidable problems. Here are some practical skin care tips and notes on products (cosmeceuticals) that can either help or irritate moles:

• Keep Your Skin Moisturized: Don’t neglect simple moisturization – it can actually help your moles. Moles often occur in areas where skin is thin or dry (for example, on the face). If a mole or the skin around it gets very dry, it can crack, and a cracked mole may bleed or become irritatedgq-magazine.co.uk. Applying a gentle moisturizer to the area keeps the skin supple and reduces the chance of fissures. Plus, well-moisturized skin is generally healthier and less prone to itchiness. However, avoid overly harsh or active ingredients directly on a mole (see next point).
  
  
• Be Gentle – No Harsh Scrubs or Peels on Moles: It might be tempting to exfoliate for smoother skin, but you should avoid scrubbing moles aggressively. Using grainy exfoliants or strong chemical peels over a mole can cause it to become inflamed, red, or even bleedgq-magazine.co.uk. Moles don’t respond to exfoliation the way a rough patch of dead skin would – you can’t scrub a mole off; you’ll only irritate it. So when washing, treat the area over a mole gently. If you use facial scrubs or exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA toners, etc.), maneuver around the mole if possible. Do not pick, scratch, or try to “polish away” a mole – any such irritation can cause unnecessary inflammation. It’s best to let moles be.
  
  
• Hair Removal from Moles – Do It Carefully: It’s quite common (and normal) for hairs to grow out of a mole. If you find these hairs bothersome, the safest way to remove them is by trimming with small scissors or plucking with clean tweezersgq-magazine.co.uk. Do not shave directly over a raised mole, and avoid waxing a mole. Shaving can cut the mole’s surface, and waxing can tear at it – both can lead to bleeding, irritation, and even an increased risk of infection or scarring. Tweezing, while it may pinch slightly, pulls the hair without harming the mole itself. If a mole’s hairs are very large or unsightly, another option is to have the whole mole removed (we can discuss that). But if you’re simply grooming, remember: tweezers over razors when it comes to mole hairgq-magazine.co.uk.
  
  
• Sun Protection is Vital: This point cannot be emphasized enough – protect your moles (and the rest of your skin) from UV exposure. Sunlight can cause moles to darken and can trigger the development of new moles. More importantly, UV radiation is a known cause of melanoma. Harmless moles can, in rare cases, transform into melanoma, and excessive sun is a major risk factor for thatgq-magazine.co.uk. So, practicing sun safety is one of the best “skincare regimens” for anyone with moles. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on all exposed skin every single day, even when it’s cloudygq-magazine.co.uk. Reapply it if you’re outdoors for long periods. Wear protective clothing and hats when under intense sun. And absolutely avoid indoor tanning beds – they emit concentrated UV that significantly raises skin cancer risk. By protecting your skin, you not only reduce cancer risk but also keep moles from getting darker or changing due to sun. As a bonus, you’ll prevent sunburns and premature aging of the skin too.
  
  
• General Skincare Products (Cosmeceuticals): Many over-the-counter skincare products (often termed “cosmeceuticals”) contain active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, etc., which are great for improving skin tone, texture, and pigmentation issues like sun spots. However, understand their limits – no cream or serum can remove a true mole. The pigment in moles is deeper in the skin and comes from a cluster of cells, so topical lightening agents won’t eradicate a mole (they are more effective on surface pigment like freckles or post-acne marks). If anything, a strong product (say a high-strength retinol or a chemical peel) applied over a mole might cause some surface peeling or irritation, but the mole itself will remain. So be wary of any product claiming to “remove moles” – these are not medically approved. Dermatologists generally advise against so-called mole removal creams sold online or in storesgq-magazine.co.uk. In fact, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings that there are no approved drugs or creams for mole removal, and products being sold for this purpose often contain harsh chemicals (like high concentrations of acids) that can cause burns, scars, and infectionfda.govfda.gov. Using these on your skin can do far more harm than good.
  
  
• Avoid DIY Mole Removal Remedies: In the same vein, please do not attempt “do-it-yourself” mole removal with home remedies or devices. This includes things like cutting or shaving off a mole yourself, using apple cider vinegar, “mole pens” or any gadget bought online to burn/freezeit, etc. Not only can you hurt yourself with a serious wound or infection, but you could also obscure a possible melanoma. If you remove or damage a mole at home, there’s no pathology to tell what it was – if it were cancerous, you might leave behind malignant cells that can continue to grow beneath the scar, leading to a delayed diagnosisfda.gov. The FDA specifically warns that at-home mole removal products have led to cases of people getting infections and even misdiagnosed melanoma because of scarred-over lesionsfda.gov. In short: only trained medical professionals should remove moles. It may look easy on YouTube, but the risks (including bleeding, improper removal, and scarring) aren’t worth it. If a mole is bothering you, always seek medical advice for safe removal rather than trying something on your own.
  
  
• Cosmetics and Moles: It’s generally fine to cover a mole with makeup if you wish, but keep in mind raised moles might not hide well. If you do use makeup, choose non-comedogenic products and be gentle when removing it. Heavy concealers can camouflage the color of a mole, but as GQ Magazine cleverly noted, a raised mole might still cast a small shadow or texture even under makeupgq-magazine.co.uk. So manage expectations – makeup can only do so much for a prominent mole. Never use cosmetics to hide a mole that is showing suspicious changes; see a doctor instead.
  
  

Key takeaway: For healthy skin with moles, moisturize regularly, avoid harsh treatments on the moles, protect from sun, and do not use unverified “mole removal” products or methods on your own. If you maintain a good skincare routine – gentle cleansing, moisturizing, sunscreen every day – your skin (and moles) will thank you. And always feel free to ask your dermatologist about any product you’re unsure of. We’re here to guide you on what’s beneficial and what might be risky.

By following the advice in this pamphlet, you can confidently care for your harmless moles and overall skin. Remember that while most moles are nothing to worry about, staying informed and vigilant is the best strategy. Use sun protection, perform skin self-exams, and have regular skin checks if you have many moles or other risk factors. And if you ever have a question or concern about a mole – whether it’s how to care for it or whether it should be removed – we are here to help. Our clinic offers expert evaluation, advanced treatment options (including the latest laser technology and supportive LED therapy), and personalized skincare guidance. With knowledge and proper care, you can keep your skin healthy and enjoy peace of mind about your moles.

Sources

[1] Cleveland Clinic – Moles: Symptoms and Causes. Cleveland Clinic Health Library (updated 2023). [Excerpt detailing commonality of moles and benign nature]my.clevelandclinic.orgmy.clevelandclinic.org

[2] Clear Creek Dermatology – Understanding Moles: Causes and Risk Factors. ClearCreekDermatology.com (2025). [Genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal changes leading to moles]clearcreekdermatology.com

[3] British Association of Dermatologists – Melanocytic Naevi (Pigmented Moles) – Patient Information Leaflet. BAD.org.uk (2022). [Risk of melanoma with many moles, fair skin, etc.]skinhealthinfo.org.uk

[4] Clear Creek Dermatology – When to Consult a Dermatologist (Warning Signs). ClearCreekDermatology.com (2025). [ABCDE checklist for suspicious moles]clearcreekdermatology.com

[5] Cleveland Clinic – Moles: Diagnosis and Tests. ClevelandClinic.org. [Symptoms like itching or bleeding as signs to see a dermatologist]my.clevelandclinic.org

[6] Cleveland Clinic – Moles: Overview. ClevelandClinic.org. [Caution about new moles appearing after age 30]my.clevelandclinic.org

[7] Coastal Skin & Laser – Signs a Mole Needs Medical Attention + When Laser Removal Is Safe. CoastalSkinAndLaser.com.au (2023). [Situations for mole removal: cosmetic, irritation, confirmed benign]coastalskinandlaser.com.au

[8] Coastal Skin & Laser – Cosmetic Mole Removal – Alternatives. CoastalSkinAndLaser.com.au (2023). [Lists of removal methods: excision, shave, cryotherapy]coastalskinandlaser.com.au

[9] Dermatology North Sydney – Mole Removal Explained: Surgical Excision. DermatologyNorthSydney.com.au (2023). [Excisional surgery removes entire mole with margin, allows histology]dermatologynorthsydney.com.au

[10] Dermatology North Sydney – Mole Removal Explained: Shave Excision. DermatologyNorthSydney.com.au (2023). [Shave removal for raised moles, no stitches, minimal scarring]dermatologynorthsydney.com.au

[11] Coastal Skin & Laser – Laser Mole Removal. CoastalSkinAndLaser.com.au (2023). [Laser uses focused light to break down mole pigment, excellent cosmetic results for benign lesions]coastalskinandlaser.com.au

[12] Coastal Skin & Laser – Laser Mole Removal – Important Note. CoastalSkinAndLaser.com.au (2023). [Laser not recommended for suspicious moles because no tissue for pathology]coastalskinandlaser.com.au

[13] Dermatology North Sydney – Laser Removal Considerations. DermatologyNorthSydney.com.au (2023). [Multiple laser sessions may be needed depending on mole’s size/depth]dermatologynorthsydney.com.au

[14] Clarion Medical – Fotona SP Dynamis Laser. ClarionMedical.com (Product Info page). [Fotona SP Dynamis combines two laser wavelengths (Nd:YAG and Er:YAG) for versatile treatments; Er:YAG ideal for ablating surface lesions]clarionmedical.comclarionmedical.com

[15] MoleChex Clinic – LED Light Therapy: What is it?. MoleChex.com.au (2025). [LED therapy is non-thermal and gentle, using different wavelengths to stimulate healing]molechex.com.au

[16] MoleChex Clinic – LED Light Therapy: Types of Light. MoleChex.com.au (2025). [Benefits of red, blue, green, amber LED lights for collagen, acne bacteria, pigmentation, etc.]molechex.com.au

[17] MoleChex Clinic – LED Light Therapy: Skin Repair. MoleChex.com.au (2025). [Red light speeds up cellular repair and healing of scars/damaged skin]molechex.com.au

[18] MoleChex Clinic – LED Light Therapy: Safety. MoleChex.com.au (2025). [LED therapy is safe for all skin types, with no UV rays and no downtime or scarring]molechex.com.au

[19] GQ Magazine (UK) – “The Big Guide to Looking After Your Skin Moles” – Interview with Dr. M. L. Russo. GQ.co.uk (2023). [Importance of moisturising moles to prevent dryness/cracking; avoid picking]gq-magazine.co.uk

[20] GQ Magazine (UK) – Skincare Do’s and Don’ts for Moles. GQ.co.uk (2023). [Avoid harsh exfoliants or scrubs on moles, as they can cause inflammation]gq-magazine.co.uk

[21] GQ Magazine (UK) – Hair and Mole Maintenance. GQ.co.uk (2023). [Tweezers are recommended for removing hair from a mole; shaving or waxing a mole can damage it]gq-magazine.co.uk

[22] GQ Magazine (UK) – Sun Protection for Moles. GQ.co.uk (2023). [UV exposure can trigger moles to become cancerous – always use SPF 30+ daily on exposed skin]gq-magazine.co.uk

[23] U.S. Food & Drug Administration – Consumer Warning: Products Marketed for Removing Moles. FDA.gov (2022). [No FDA-approved OTC mole removal products; such products often contain strong acids and have caused scarring, infection, and delayed cancer diagnosis]fda.govfda.gov