Moles & The Sun

Skin moles (also known as naevi) are extremely common and usually harmless. Almost everyone has at least a few moles, which can vary in size, shape, colour, and texture. Some moles are present at birth, while others develop gradually during childhood and adulthood.

Moles may appear or change during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as puberty or pregnancy, and they can also be influenced by sun exposure. Understanding what’s normal – and when a mole may need checking – is key to protecting your skin health.

Moles develop when pigment‑producing skin cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters rather than spreading evenly across the skin. Several factors can influence their development, including:

• Genetics – family history plays a significant role
• Hormonal changes – especially during puberty or pregnancy
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds

Sun Exposure and Moles

Exposure to UV radiation can affect both the appearance and the behaviour of moles. UV rays penetrate the skin and can damage the DNA of skin cells, encouraging abnormal cell growth.

While not all moles are caused by sun exposure, UV radiation can:

• Trigger the development of new moles.
• Cause existing moles to darken, enlarge, or become more noticeable.
• Contribute to the formation of atypical (dysplastic) moles.

This process is often referred to as sun‑induced hyperpigmentation.

You should arrange a professional mole check if you notice any of the following changes:

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
• B – Borders: Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges
• C – Colour: Uneven shading, speckling, very dark colour, or a white halo
• D – Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (about 6mm)
• E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or sensation

Not all concerning moles show all of these signs – even one change is enough to warrant an expert opinion.

Most moles are benign and pose no threat. The presence of moles alone does not mean you are at increased risk of skin cancer.

However, excessive sun exposure can increase the likelihood of developing atypical moles, which may have:

• Irregular or blurred borders
• Uneven or multiple colours
• A larger size than normal moles

Atypical moles are considered a risk factor for melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. This is why monitoring changes is so important.

You may be at higher risk of developing problematic moles or melanoma if you:

• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have multiple or atypical moles
• Burn easily or have fair skin
• Have had significant sun exposure or blistering sunburns

For higher‑risk individuals, regular dermatologist‑led skin checks are essential for early detection.

At Refine Clinic, we provide expert mole assessments in a calm, professional setting.

Dr. Natalia Bratu is highly educated and certified in Dermatology, including skin cancer diagnosis. She is a registered IMC doctor with over 20 years of medical experience, offering thorough, evidence‑based skin evaluations.

What Happens During Your Consultation?

During your appointment:

• Your mole(s) will be carefully examined
• Dr. Bratu will advise if the mole is benign or concerning
• If needed, she may recommend:
  • A biopsy (small tissue sample), or
  • Complete excision of the mole

Any samples taken are sent for laboratory analysis, and the results determine whether further treatment is required.

We also offer a Mole Mapping Service, an important tool for the early detection of melanoma.

Using a state‑of‑the‑art dermatoscope, Dr. Bratu:

• Analyses suspicious moles in high definition
• Records detailed images of your skin
• Tracks changes in moles over time

What to Expect

• The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
• It is completely painless and non‑invasive.
• High‑resolution images highlight any abnormalities

Based on the findings, Dr. Bratu will advise whether monitoring, further investigation, or treatment is required.