Moles

Lightening Moles on your Skin

Moles baffle scientists. Do they serve a purpose? Why do they develop? The culprit is melanin, contained in melanocytes. Melanin is a natural skin pigment which gives color to skin. Melanocytes travel to the epidermis. Normally they distribute evenly, producing the common sun tan. But sometimes melanocytes grow together in a cluster, blossoming into melanin-rich moles.

Modern skin lighteners work to impede melanin production. These products fade and lighten skin moles by affecting the production of melanin. Active ingredients in select over-the-counter mole treatments include all-natural substances such as kojic acid and arbutin. These additives have been shown to inhibit melanin production and incrementally fade dark moles. Skin lighteners are considered specific, because they go to the source of moles. They require repeated use over time.

Skin peelers are considered imprecise because the chemicals impact skin surrounding the mole. Active ingredients frequently include hydroquinone. The FDA considered a ban on hydroquinone due to a link to cancer. England, France and Japan did ban hydroquinone in over-the-counter skin products. Other options require cosmetic dermatologists to remove moles by shaving off layers of skin. They also use lasers to blast melanin. Another technique is excision surgery, requiring stitches. Surgery outside of cancer treatment is seldom medically necessary, according to the definitions insurance companies use to determine if they will pay for the procedure.

For a list of a safe and effective skin bleaching products, please click here.