3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, #09-08, Singapore 239519

How to Remove Moles From Face Naturally and Quickly

cropped view of woman pointing with finger at mole on skin

Moles, or nevi, are a common benign growth on the skin. They can appear as small bumps like pimples or as flat patches on the surfaces of the skin. Moles usually occur when skin cells grow together in clusters. You may get them at birth or they can develop at any time later in life. There is not really a fixed time when the moles may show up. Also, these common skin growths may vary in size, shape, colour and number.

The majority of moles are harmless and there is no reason to worry about them. However, if they change their appearance, become larger or change in colour, then it is time to get medical attention because it might be a warning sign of more serious skin disease.

Most of the time, people opt to remove moles for cosmetic reasons, especially when the marks appear on the face. One of the problems they often face is the cost of the procedure. It can be quite high which leads people to utilize different home remedies to have their mole removed.

However, some natural approaches can not only be ineffective, but they can also be dangerous. If you want to remove any of your moles it is best to see a specialist. The aesthetic doctors have the skills and expertise to safely and successfully remove unwanted nevi.

In this article, we will provide you with detailed information about the most popular methods of removing moles at home. Furthermore, we will explain why some of those methods are potentially dangerous as well as which mole removal techniques are safe and effective. Please read on!

How to remove a mole yourself?

Several websites provide “simple DIY tips” or “natural treatments” for removing moles at home. Here we will look at some of them.

  • Applying garlic to the mole. According to some people, putting garlic on a mole for a certain period of time will cause it to narrow or disappear completely. Garlic has powerful properties because it contains enzymes that may dissolve the cell clusters that cause moles.
  • Using a mixture of castor oil and baking soda. Some sources claim that a paste made of baking soda and castor oil can eliminate moles. Castor oil will promote healing, while baking soda will dry out the mole.
  • Applying apple cider vinegar on the mole. Some people believe the vinegar’s acids can burn or dry up the mole, causing it to disappear.
  • Using frankincense oil for moles. There are websites that suggest using frankincense oil to get rid of moles. It is believed that the astringent properties of this essential oil can tighten the skin around the mole, absorb the excess oil, and dry it out. The mole will form a scab and eventually fall off.
  • Using a specific concentration of iodine. Some reports mention that iodine can kill cluster cells, thus causing the top layer of the mole to peel off.
  • Applying tea tree oil over the mole. The tea tree oil is best known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which it possesses in high amounts. According to some people, applying tea tree oil daily for a while will cause the mole to disappear.

Other popular home remedies include flaxseed oil, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, oregano oil and so on. Some people even use drastic measures, like cutting the mole with a razor blade or using scissors (you should never cut the mole out by yourself!). Keep in mind that it is not proven that any of these methods work, even though some people claim otherwise.

Are there effective ways to remove moles at home?

Natural methods for removing moles have not been proven to work. There are a lot of home remedies and natural treatments that are advertised on the Internet which claim to remove moles. However, none of those “do-it-yourself” techniques has been proved to produce permanent results.

Moreover, the application of different home remedies to the face may cause unwanted side effects and complications. Not to mention, it is potentially dangerous for your moles.

Why is home removal harmful?

It is not a good idea to try to get rid of unwanted moles by yourself. Here are some of the reasons why it can be harmful.

  • There are different kinds of lesions. You may have moles, warts, papilloma moles or an atypical mole. You don’t know exactly what kind of lesion you have. It is very important to see a dermatologist in order to determine what kind of mole you have since different types of lesions require different types of treatment.
  • Home remedies and even mole removal creams may cause complications and side effects. They can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring, or even possibly to a more serious skin condition. For example, a prolonged application of apple cider vinegar may burn and damage the skin. Oregano oil and tea tree oil might also be harsh to the skin if not used properly.
  • A mole that you remove yourself could be cancerous and this, in turn, can be really dangerous. The cancerous mole can spread out throughout your body and pose a serious health risk. Only a dermatologist can determine if any of your moles are cancero

What is the best way to remove a non-cancerous mole?

Female patient undergoing a nevus removal procedure

One of the best, safest and most effective ways to remove a non-cancerous mole is excision surgery. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia. The surgeon will find the area, draw on it and remove the mole by using a sharp knife. After that, the doctor will close the opening with deep stitches and superficial stitches. The deep stitches slowly dissolve in about a year. The top stitches are usually taken out within a week.

Laser treatment is another safe and effective mole removal technique. It is a non-surgical method, it is not painful and takes less than 15 minutes. Infection risks are significantly reduced since cuttings or burns are not necessary. Also, lasers are effective at treating sensitive body parts such as the face and nose, which might be difficult to treat with other methods.

Consult an aesthetic doctor to determine which removal method is most appropriate for you.

What happens if you have a cancerous mole?

Side view of a mature mixed race female doctor checking the body of a Caucasian female patient with dermatoscopy in a clinic

If your dermatologist is suspicious that you have a cancerous mole then he/she would advise you to go for a biopsy. During the biopsy, a small piece of the tissue from the mole is removed and sent for analysis to pathology. The pathology doctor needs to tell if the lesion is cancerous. In case it is, you will need to undergo surgery to remove the mole.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mole Removal

Does removing a mole cause cancer?

After the mole is removed, it needs to be checked for microscopic signs of skin cancer. There is a possibility of skin cancer developing from a mole, and the diagnosis is usually made after a pathologist has thoroughly examined the mole.

However, most moles are benign growths and the cases where they become cancerous are very rare.

Can aloe vera remove moles?

Aloe vera cannot remove a mole. Aloe vera is often claimed to be a natural remedy that can shrink or erase moles. The theory behind that is that aloe vera gel has healing properties that can smoothen and soften the skin. However, it has not been proven to work.

Does mole removal cream work?

Dermatologists strongly suggest that you avoid using creams that remove moles. Mole removal creams are not effective. In addition, they may cause side effects such as pits or scars.

Do mole removal pens work?

Despite the fact that mole removal pens can sometimes provide results, it is best to stay away from them because they are potentially risky and can leave visible scarring.

Does Insurance cover mole removal?

When it comes to removing a cancerous mole, medical insurance usually covers the costs of the treatment. The insurance does not cover the cost of removing benign moles.

Dr Shenthilkumar Naidu (Dr Shens)

Dr. Shenthilkumar Naidu (Dr. Shens) is a Ministry of Health accredited Consultatn Plastic Surgeon with extensive expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is renowned for his advanced techniques in body contouring and aesthetic enhancements. For more information, visit Shens Clinic.

Shens Clinic, 3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, #09-08, Singapore 239519

Monday – Friday: 09:00am – 06:00pm
Saturday: 09:00am – 02:00pm
Sun and PH: Closed

(Strictly by appointment only)

american society of plastic surgeons International logo





    Copyright ⓒ Shens Clinic | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

    magnifier linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram