Where Have Beauty Marks Gone & Are These Moles Dangerous?

Remember beauty marks, those small dark spots on the face, neck or shoulders that women used to covet? Did they go out of fashion? Over the centuries those small, black or brown delicate moles have held allure, superstitions, and myths about health. When popular they have even been drawn, painted, or tattooed on to suggestive places on women’s bodies. When unpopular they have been removed, sometimes rationalized as unhealthy or a mark of evil. Whether these small moles are dangerous not only depends on their composition apparently, but when and where you have one, historically speaking that is. A harmless mole is symmetrical, uniform in color and has usually been on the body since childhood. This is the classic beauty mark. But historically? Well that’s a different story.

The ancient Greeks believed features such as beauty marks foretold destiny, much like the Korean art of “physiognomy” is believed to foretell a person’s character and future. However, the Ancient Romans disdained physical defects and strove for perfection of form and unblemished skin. Great pains were taken to disguise imperfections such as moles and birth marks. Of course it is well know that during Medieval times in Europe, moles and birthmarks were consider the “Mark of the Devil,” and during the burning times, women who were suspected of being witches had their bodies searched for these so called marks of evil. It was a time of terror that went on for a good 300 years. Interestingly, this really depended upon where you were. In northern European countries such as Germany and England, these blemishes were punished, while at the same time in Italy as the Renaissance began, beauty marks were also thought of as predictions of fortune. In Venice fake beauty marks were sold and placed strategically on the body. Later on in Europe, when powdered wigs and ruffles adorned both men and women, beauty marks were so popular that they were often worn in various designs! This was true particularly in France. Phrenology was developed in the Victorian Era, in England, and these moles were considered a scientific way to assess a person’s character and intelligence. Determining characterlogical traits with beauty marks was called “moleoscopy.”

Many famous celebrities have sported beauty marks. Marilyn Monroe, Cindy Crawford, Goldie Hawn, Jeanne Harlow, Madonna, and Sherilyn Fenn all had beauty marks suggestively close to their lips or eye, extenuating that feature. Even singers Paula Abdul, Sarah MacLachlan, Gloria Estefan, and Mandy Moore have show up with beauty marks. Do you remember Janet Jackson’s beauty mark above her left lip?

Moles become dangerous if they turn into melanoma a serious skin cancer. Actinic keratosis is a small crusty growth that can develop from sun damage. Some of these can turn into cancer, and should be removed. All moles should be checked periodically to be sure they are not cancerous. Moles can be removed by excision. All moles to be removed should be checked for malignancy by shave biopsy before removal. Talk to Dr. Branman at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center if you need a mole removed. Don’t forget, Dr. B offers consultations.

Circe Santaniello

Call the front desk for your consultation with Dr. Branman (501) 227-0707

Thanks to bokeh burger for a great picture of a beauty mark!