Many people have small, distinct marks on their skin, often called “beauty marks.” These common skin features, whether natural or sometimes artificially applied, frequently draw attention. Their presence on the face or body has intrigued individuals across cultures and eras, leading to questions about their origins and meaning.
Understanding Beauty Marks
“Beauty marks” are common skin growths medically known as melanocytic nevi, or moles. These marks form when melanocytes, pigment-producing cells, grow in clusters rather than spreading evenly. While moles are the most frequent type, “beauty mark” can also refer to freckles (ephelides) or age spots (lentigines).
Moles can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size, shape, and color, from skin-toned to dark brown or black. Most individuals have between 10 and 40 moles. Freckles are flat, small, pigmented spots that appear on sun-exposed skin, while lentigines are larger, more defined spots that develop later in life due to sun damage.
Factors Influencing Their Appearance
The development of moles and freckles is influenced by genetics and environmental factors. A hereditary component influences mole number and location, as individuals with family members who have moles are more likely to develop them. Genes also determine melanin type, affecting freckle development, especially in those with fair skin and light hair.
Sun exposure, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation, plays a role in freckle formation and stimulates melanocytes, leading to new moles or changes. Freckles become more prominent with sun exposure and may fade in winter; solar lentigines are caused by cumulative sun damage. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty or pregnancy can also influence mole appearance and growth. Aging also contributes to solar lentigines, or age spots.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most moles are harmless, some can change or become cancerous, into melanoma, a serious skin cancer. Regularly examining your skin for new moles or changes is important. Dermatologists use the “ABCDEs” rule to help identify potentially concerning moles:
- Asymmetry: one half does not match the other
- Border irregularity: uneven, ragged, or notched edges
- Color variation: multiple shades or uneven color
- Diameter: larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, or height, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding
Other warning signs include moles that appear suddenly in adulthood, are itchy, painful, bleed, or look distinctly different from others (“ugly duckling” moles). Prompt detection of changes allows for early treatment if a mole is cancerous. Consulting a healthcare provider for suspicious moles allows for professional assessment and guidance on removal or monitoring.
The Cultural View of Beauty Marks
Throughout history, the perception of beauty marks has varied across cultures and time. In Ancient Greece, mole placement was associated with predicting a person’s future. In Ancient Rome, artificial marks were used to conceal scars, highlighting their practical application.
During the 18th century in Europe, in France, artificial “mouches” or patches became a popular fashion accessory for the aristocracy. These decorative marks, often velvet or silk, hid blemishes like smallpox scars, emphasized facial features, or conveyed social messages based on placement. Figures like Marilyn Monroe and Cindy Crawford contributed to the modern appreciation of natural beauty marks, transforming them into symbols of allure and individuality.