Moles and Aging: An Unexpected Connection

Positive news if you have a lot of them: there is a link between moles and aging. When you think of moles, you probably think of small, dark spots that have been on your skin since your youth. They are usually harmless and can even be considered a distinguishing part of your appearance. But did you know that moles have an unexpected connection with the aging process of your skin?

Moles are often seen as static features, but research suggests that people with a higher number of moles may experience slower skin aging. This means that moles are not only signs of pigmentation, but can also be an indication of younger-looking skin as you get older.

What are birthmarks?

Moles, or naevi, are small, dark spots on the skin that consist of concentrated melanocytes—the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. When a mole is formed, these melanocytes grow in clusters instead of being evenly distributed through the skin. This results in a small, often dark spot on the skin, which can vary in color from light brown to black. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles that can develop throughout their lifetime.

The exact cause of why melanocytes organize in this way is not yet fully understood, but there are some important factors that play a role:

1. Genetics: Heredity plays a big role in the development of moles. People with a family history of many moles often have a larger number of moles themselves.
2. Sun Exposure: UV radiation from the sun can promote the development of new moles, especially during childhood and adolescence, when the skin is still developing. UV radiation can also darken existing moles or cause changes that require attention.
3. Hormonal changes: During certain life stages, such as puberty or pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can lead to the development of new moles or changes in existing moles.
4. Cell Division and Aging: As we age, melanocytes can sometimes behave differently, which can lead to the formation of new moles or changes in existing moles.

A connection between moles and aging

Researchers from the University of California have discovered that people with more or larger moles often have longer telomeres, which can contribute to a longer lifespan of cells. Telomeres are the protective ends of our chromosomes that become shorter as we age, and longer telomeres are usually associated with a slower aging process.

The study showed that people with more than 100 moles had on average 2.5% longer telomeres than those with fewer than 25 moles. Larger moles (more than 5 mm in diameter) were also associated with longer telomeres, especially in men. This suggests that people with more or larger moles may have a genetic predisposition to a slower aging process.

While these findings are interesting, it’s important to emphasize that this research is observational, which means that no direct cause-and-effect relationship can be established. Further research is needed to fully understand what these results mean, especially as longer telomeres in some cases are also associated with an increased risk of certain forms of cancer.

Quickly Counting Moles Trick

Research has shown that the number of moles on your right arm can be a good indication of the total number of moles on your body. This is important, as people with many moles are at a higher risk of developing melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. The research, which looked at a group of young people, found that if you have at least five moles on your right arm, it is likely that you have more than 50 moles on your entire body.

This finding becomes more specific as the number of moles on your arm increases: if you have six moles on your right arm, there is a good chance that you have more than 25 moles on your body, with eight moles the chance of having more than 50 increases, and with eleven moles, there is a good chance that you have more than 100 moles.

Youthful Appeal and Cultural Value of Birthmarks

Moles, especially the light brown ones, are often associated with a youthful appearance. This is because their number usually decreases as we age, which makes them seen as a sign of youthfulness. In addition to their role in maintaining a youthful appearance, moles also play an important role in various cultures. In many traditions, they are considered beauty symbols, often referred to as ‘beauty marks’. They are seen as attractive features that highlight the unique beauty of a person.

Therefore, it is important to think carefully before having a mole removed for cosmetic reasons. What might be undesirable for one person is appreciated by many as a sign of beauty.

Aging: What can Iconic Elements do for you?

There are 2 main steps to counteract premature skin aging: Protection & Correction

Protection

Protection against UV rays is essential in slowing down skin aging. Research shows that 80% of premature skin aging is caused by the sun; only 20% is genetically determined. Iconic Elements offers a day cream with protection against UVA rays, which are present all year round with a constant intensity. These rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause free radicals, which break down the structure of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and skin sagging.

In spring and summer, UVB radiation becomes stronger, especially in the Netherlands. These rays stimulate the production of vitamin D, but excessive exposure can cause sunburn and DNA damage, which in the long term can lead to skin cancer. Therefore, a sunscreen with SPF is crucial for UVB protection. Iconic Elements has developed a mineral sunscreen that has been independently tested and certified for its SPF value.

Visible Light
In addition to UV rays, the Iconic Elements tinted mineral sunscreen also offers protection against visible light. Research indicates that visible light can form free radicals in the skin, which unconsciously contribute to skin aging. By going beyond just UV protection, Iconic Elements’ sunscreen provides comprehensive protection against various sources of skin damage.

Correction

For correcting premature skin aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, there are two important approaches: the use of antioxidants and cell regulators.

Antioxidants combat the harmful effects of free radicals, unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress, especially due to exposure to UV rays. This stress accelerates skin aging and leads to wrinkles and pigmentation. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, reduce collagen degradation, and help the skin maintain its structure and elasticity, making wrinkles and fine lines less visible.

How should you imagine this: Imagine that your skin is being attacked by tiny, invisible enemies called free radicals. These enemies are created by things like UV rays from the sun or air pollution. Free radicals can damage skin cells, causing wrinkles and pigmentation spots. Antioxidants act as a shield; they capture these free radicals and neutralize them before they can cause damage.

Cell regulators such as vitamin A (retinol, tretinoin), bakuchiol, peptides and growth factors directly affect the cellular functions of the skin. They penetrate deeply and stimulate the production of collagen, which contributes to a firmer and younger-looking skin.

How should you imagine this: A cell regulator works like a coach for your skin cells. It stimulates the skin cells to renew faster and ensures that they produce more collagen. Collagen is like the building material of your skin, which makes it firm and elastic. When you use a product with a cell regulator, it helps your skin to recover and look younger and tighter, because it reduces wrinkles and fine lines by promoting the production of new, healthy tissue.

Iconic Elements Anti-Aging Cream contains vitamin C, E and ferulic acid. This combination reinforces each other’s antioxidant effect, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from damage. The Firming Booster Serum contains bakuchiol, peptides, and white tea extract; these ingredients act as cell regulators and an antioxidant. The combined effect of these formulas promotes skin renewal, stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and ensures a tighter and younger-looking skin.

Now that you’re here

Removing a mole by a dermatologist, what options are there?

Do you still want to have a mole removed by a dermatologist? Then there are two possible options, depending on how the mole has formed. Do you want to know more about the available treatments? Read more about this.