Moles are very common skin growths that most people have on their bodies. They are basically a group of skin cells, called melanocytes, that are not evenly spread on the skin, leading to a bumpy surface. Moles exposed to sunlight could change colour and turn darker due to exposure to UV rays.
Most times moles are not dangerous or health risk, although in some cases a mole could be an indicator of skin cancer. If a particular mole on your body changes shape, size or colour with time, it might be wise to seek medical advice.
If not, you have a regular mole that is not medically dangerous. That being said, it is advisable always first to get a mole on your body checked and tested by a physician before you go forward with any type of mole removal procedure.
How to Get Rid of Moles: Natural Remedies
Although not harmful, a mole can be a hindrance. You might find it bothersome if it is on your face, or on parts of the body that rub against clothes. In such cases, you can get rid of moles right at home with some simple and safe remedies. It is not wise to cut or scratch a mole at home, as it could lead to scarring or infection. This is why we have listed out 13 safe remedies you can use to get rid of moles:
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Moles
There are quite a few household items you can use to get rid of moles.
1. Honey
Why use?
Honey is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Honey is often used topically to easy abrasions or inflamed skin conditions.
How to use?
Clean the surface of the mole and surrounding skin with clean water and soap, and let it dry. Rub a few drops (sufficient enough to cover the mole) of honey which is at room temperature directly to the mole and let it dry. You can put a band-aid or gauze to cover it if there are chances of it rubbing against your clothes.
Another effective method is to mix flaxseed oil and honey in equal parts to form a paste and apply it to the mole, making sure to cover it entirely.
How much to use?
As much as needed to cover the entire surface of the mole. Leave it on for one hour a day, once a day until the mole is gone.
[Read: Home Remedies for Moles]
2. Banana Peels
Why use?
A banana peel contains oxalic acid and ascorbic acid, which are two among other natural enzymes and acids that can help get rid of unwanted moles. A banana peel also acts as a natural moisturizer, keeping the skin around the mole moisturized(1).
How to use?
Take a piece of banana peel and place it on the mole, with the inside of the peel facing your skin. The peel should cover the mole entirely, Use a piece of skin-friendly tape (like medical tape) to secure the peel and leave it overnight.
How much to use?
A piece large enough to cover the mole, left overnight every night until the mole is gone.
3. Potatoes
Why use?
Potatoes contain bleaching compounds that can help lighten the colour of the mole, and in some cases get rid of the mole entirely. It’s a safe method, and the bleaching effect tends to render the mole undetectable.
How to use?
Cut out a piece of potato and rub the inner part over the mole. Let the juice of the potato sit and dry over the mole.
Another method is to cut and place the piece of potato over the mole, the inner part facing the skin, and bandage it. Leave this on for a few days. As the potato piece decomposes, it gets rid of the mole.
How much to use?
Rub the inner part of the potato over the mole and let the juice sit for one or two minutes. Wash off with clean water and soap.
4. Lemon Juice
Why use?
Similar to the potato, lemon juice has bleaching compounds and astringent properties too. Applying lemon juice will lighten the mole and make it fade away, making it undetectable.
How to use?
Dip a swab of cotton in lemon juice and place it on the mole, covering it entirely. Add a piece of skin-friendly tape, like medical tape, and secure the cotton swab in place. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
How much to use?
Follow this method for 20 minutes, two times a day every day until the mole is not visible.
[Read: Lemon Juice for Acne]
5. Aloe Vera
Why use?
Aloe Vera has been used to ease and cure skin ailments for decades. Aloe vera gel contains vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, enzymes, and tannins that help heal and restore the natural health of skin it is applied on.
It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help soothe skin rashes, irritations, and burns. It is believed that the prolonged application of aloe vera gel to moles can help in removing them.
How to use?
Clean the surface of the mole and surrounding skin with clean water and soap. Apply aloe vera gel and let it dry. Let it sit for two to three hours then wash off with clean water.
How much to use?
Apply the gel for 2-3 hours, two times a day every day until the mole fades.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Why use?
The acidic nature of Apple Cider Vinegar can help dry the mole and cause it to scab, eventually getting rid of it. Using apple cider vinegar may leave a light scar.
How to use?
Dip a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and place it on the mole, covering it entirely. Tape it in place with a band-aid or medical tape. Leave it on for 5-6 hours, then remove the cotton swab and clean the area with clean water and soap.
How much to use?
Enough cotton and apple cider vinegar to cover the entire mole left on for 5-6 hours a day, once every day until the mole starts to scab and then disappears.
[Read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags]
7. Pineapple Juice
Why use?
Pineapple juice contains a good amount of citric acid, the enzymes in which help clear dead cells and impurities on the skin. Pineapple juice, specifically the citric acid in it, can help lighten the mole and eventually get rid of it. It also helps get rid of pigmentation that causes moles to occur and grow.
How to use?
Cut a piece of pineapple and rub the juice over the mole and let it sit for a few minutes (5-10). Wash it off with clean water.
Alternatively, you can dip a cotton swab in pineapple juice and place it over the mole, securing it with a band-aid or medical tape. Leave it on for a few minutes then remove it wash the surface with clean water.
How much to use?
Enough juice to cover the mole left on for a few minutes. You can repeat this 2-3 times a day.
8. Turmeric
Why use?
Turmeric has incredible healing properties and is often used, both topically and orally, to cure ailments. It helps get rid of pigmentation and can also help control the production of melanin, cells that cause moles. You can also use turmeric along with other mole removal remedies, as turmeric ends healing properties to the damaged skin.
How to use?
It’s best to use turmeric along with a vitamin C tablet. The vitamin C tablet helps get rid of the mole, and the turmeric helps with the healing of the skin. Crush a vitamin C tablet, mix it with equal parts of turmeric, add honey to make a paste and apply it to the mole. Let it sit for 20 minutes then wash off with clean water.
You can also make a mixture of one teaspoon of lemon juice and enough turmeric to make a paste, and apply this paste over the mole. Let it sit for 20 minutes then wash off with clean water.
How much to use?
Either remedy should be applied for 20 minutes a day, two times every day until the mole is gone.