Since the beginning of the pandemic, our version of normal has changed drastically. The beauty industry was severely impacted because salons were shut for a long time. As a result, many DIY trends have come to the forefront.
From at-home foot spas to DIY face packs and skincare routines- there’s no denying that over the past few months, we have seen the natural way being adopted by many people. While all these are okay, there’s a new fad that’s taking over a social media platform to which we’ve got one thing to say, and that’s a big NO.
There are now videos circulating on the internet showing people burning off their own moles. Yup. Leaving many doctors in utter disbelief, dermatologists have publicly slammed the trend since it can lead to permanent disfigurements and other serious health issues. These DIY mole removal videos show people eradicating these spots on their body by either scraping, cutting, picking or using dangerous chemicals which could cause long-term damage to the skin.
Before you decide to try this out, keep in mind that this trending at-home procedure has received plenty of criticism from dermatologists and doctors but if you’re adamant on getting rid of those spots, there are other traditional, natural methods which are safer and have been used for years to eliminate moles with causing any serious skin damage.
Note: Before you think about getting rid of your mole, keep on reading to know more about these skin spots and the dos and don’ts when it comes to at-home treatments.
No matter what’s trending, when it comes to your skin, our belief is that it’s always beneficial to first get a professional’s opinion.
Everything You Need To Know About Moles
For those who are unaware, unlike warts, moles are like tiny dots that appear on the skin. There are some who are born with these spots while others acquire them over time mainly due to environmental factors like long term exposure to the sun’s rays.
As we grow older, we are more susceptible to getting moles and some people may even have a genetic predisposition for acquiring them. So what exactly causes the growth of these dots?
Well, moles are formed when the melanocytes cells grow in a cluster instead of spreading throughout the skin. They can grow anywhere on the body, including your scalp, armpits, chest- even the soles of your feet are not exempted. The size and type of mole vary from person to person.
While some may just have tiny little dots, for others it could be bumpy, protruding or hairy and may differ in shade as well—black, brown and even pink are all common colours for moles. While most moles are harmless and benign, there are a few that could be cancerous, that’s why it’s always wise to get them checked by a doctor before you take matters into your own hands.
What Not To Do While Removing Moles At Home
Do Not Cut It: Unlike your failed DIY haircut, which you can bounce back from, cutting your moles out can cause serious damage to the skin. Moles are made up of pigment cells (melanocytes) that darken over time due to sun exposure. Cutting off these moles can cause bleeding and lead to scarring and infection. As a non-medical professional, it’s impossible for you to determine if a mole is malignant, cutting a cancerous mole, could cause it to spread throughout your body and even become life-threatening.
Yeah, it sounds scary cause it is.
Don’t Use Chemicals To Scrape Of The Moles: Just like cutting, using random chemicals to scrape off moles can be harmful as well. This could lead to infections, bleeding, scarring, and sometimes, these procedures not only remove the mole but the skin underneath as well.
Non-Harmful Methods To Remove A Mole
Apple Cider Vinegar: For ages, apple cider vinegar has been used to cure many skin ailments, one of them being moles. This product is rich in acidic ingredients like malic and tartaric that dissolves the mole. All you need to do is dip a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the mole. Keep doing this for two or three weeks to notice a visible change.
Garlic: Garlic is another age-old ingredient that has been used to treat moles. Garlic is rich in enzymes and is considered to be very warm, so creating a paste and applying it on the mole is said to help dissolve it. Once you apply the paste, wait for it to dry and then apply an adhesive bandage over it. Leave this on overnight and wash it off the next day. Doing this for a week or so can help remove the mole.
Aloe Vera: You can’t go wrong with this plant. This natural ingredient is used to treat various skin and hair issues, mainly ‘coz it is the safest option out there. Aloe vera is packed with anti-bacterial elements and is said to also have skin-regenerating properties. It is believed that using the gel acquired from the aloe vera plant on moles can reduce their appearance over time.
Castor Oil: Aside from aiding in hair growth, castor oil is also said to help remove moles on the body. Make a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon of castor oil with one tablespoon of baking soda. Apply this on the mole and leave it on overnight before washing it off. Doing this for a month can reduce the appearance of the mole.
Consult A Dermatologist: While the above tips have been age-old methods used for moles, they aren’t a guaranteed way to get rid of them. Our suggestion when it comes to getting rid of these spots is to see a dermatologist. A well-trained professional will be able to give you the best advice and perform safe procedures that will eliminate these spots for good. And if your dermat is still shut due to the on-going pandemic, sit tight! If your mole isn’t bothering you or causing any health issues, then wait it out.
Cover The Mole With Makeup: It’s okay to not want to opt for at-home mole removal procedures but if you just want some temporary relief from them, you can always hide it by using a bit of concealer and foundation. If you don’t feel comfortable with it you can camouflage it with the help of makeup. The process remains the same- first apply a primer, then use a colour corrector. Once you’re done, dab some liquid foundation on and around the mole followed by a concealer and blend well.
Now that you’ve understood the dangers of trying at-home mole burning trends, you will hopefully think twice before you decide to take matters into your own hands.
Also Read: Moles meaning
Featured Image: Pexels
