Why do we get more moles as we age?

Moles, also known as nevi, are an integral part of our skin. They can appear at birth, during childhood, or later in adulthood. Many people wonder: why do we get more moles as we age? Is this a normal phenomenon, or a sign of something more serious? In this article, we will explore the reasons for this increase, risk factors, and steps to take to monitor the evolution of these skin spots.

What is a Mole?

A mole is a small pigmented spot on the skin, usually benign. It is formed by an accumulation of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. These cells can sometimes group together to form a brown, black, or even pinkish spot.

Moles are often hereditary, but they are also influenced by environmental factors, such as sun exposure. There are different types: congenital nevi (present from birth), acquired nevi (which appear later), and dysplastic nevi (atypical moles that require monitoring).

Why Do Moles Appear as We Age?

The answer is multifactorial. Several causes explain why we get more moles as we age:

1. Cumulative Sun Exposure

The main factor is repeated exposure to UV rays over the years. Your skin remembers every sunburn and every prolonged exposure. This accumulation can lead to the appearance of new moles. UVB rays stimulate melanocytes and encourage them to cluster, which leads to the formation of new nevi.

This explains why the areas most exposed to the sun – face, arms, back – are also where moles are most common.

2. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes also influence the appearance of moles. Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or taking certain hormone treatments can trigger the formation of new nevi or alter existing ones.

As we age, the body goes through several hormonal phases that promote these transformations. It is therefore completely normal to observe new moles starting from your thirties or forties.

3. Natural Skin Aging

As we age, the skin undergoes natural changes. Cell renewal slows down, the skin becomes thinner, and certain repair mechanisms deteriorate. This can facilitate the appearance of pigmentary anomalies, including moles.

Furthermore, some spots might look like moles but are actually lentigines or seborrheic keratoses, both of which are also related to skin aging.

Is it dangerous to have more moles with age?

The appearance of moles in itself is not abnormal or necessarily concerning. However, regular monitoring is essential. The primary risk is their potential transformation into melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Risk factors include:

  • Having more than 50 moles

  • Presence of atypical moles

  • Family history of melanoma

  • Fair and sun-sensitive skin

It is therefore recommended to have your skin regularly examined by a dermatologist, especially if you notice a change in the shape, color, or size of a mole.

How to monitor your moles?

Self-monitoring is crucial. There is a simple method to detect a suspicious mole: the ABCDE rule.

  • A for Asymmetry

  • B for Irregular Borders

  • C for Non-uniform Color

  • D for Diameter greater than 6 mm

  • E for Evolution (change over time)

If a mole shows one or more of these signs, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Can we prevent the appearance of new moles?

Although it is impossible to completely prevent the appearance of moles with age, certain measures can limit their multiplication:

1. Effective sun protection

Use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum) all year round, especially on exposed areas. Wearing a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing helps reduce the impact of UV rays.

2. Avoid UV tanning beds

Tanning beds accelerate skin aging and significantly increase the risk of melanoma. Their use is strongly discouraged.

3. Regular dermatological monitoring

Annual medical follow-up allows for quick detection of moles that need monitoring or removal.

Difference between moles, lentigo, and keratosis

As we age, some brown spots can be mistaken for moles. It's important to know the difference:

  • A lentigo is a sun-induced pigment spot, often flat and uniformly colored.

  • Seborrheic keratosis is a harmless skin growth, often rough to the touch.

  • A mole is generally darker, can be raised, and has a more regular shape.

Only a dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and confirm the nature of a lesion.

When should you be concerned?

You should consult a doctor if:

  • A mole changes rapidly

  • It itches, bleeds, or becomes painful

  • Many new moles suddenly appear

  • You have a history of skin cancer

It's always best to act with caution, even though most moles are harmless.

Conclusion

Having more moles as you age is common and usually not serious. It mainly results from cumulative sun exposure, hormonal changes, and skin aging. However, increased vigilance is important, as some lesions can develop into melanoma.

Prevention involves strict sun protection, regular dermatological check-ups, and knowing the warning signs. If in doubt, never delay consulting a doctor.

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