You’ve probably noticed a new spot on your skin at some point — maybe a small brown dot on your shoulder or a darker patch on your hand.
But how do you know if it’s a harmless freckle or something that deserves a closer look?
Experts explain how to tell the difference between freckles, age spots, and moles — and when to take action.
Freckles: Nature’s sun marks
Freckles are small, flat, light-brown spots that appear when the skin reacts to sunlight.
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They’re most common in people with lighter skin or red hair, since their pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, cluster melanin in small areas.
These spots tend to darken in summer and fade in winter. While freckles themselves are harmless, they signal that your skin is sensitive to UV rays — and that means a higher lifetime risk of skin cancer.
Age spots: Signs of sun exposure
Also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, age spots are larger, darker patches that appear after years of sun exposure.
Despite their name, they have nothing to do with the liver. They’re common on the face, hands, and shoulders — areas that get the most sunlight.
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Unlike freckles, age spots don’t fade over time and may even darken if you continue spending time in the sun.
While they’re generally harmless, any change in color, size, or texture should be checked by a dermatologist.
Moles: The ones to watch
Moles are clusters of pigment cells that can appear flat or raised, light or dark. Most people have between 10 and 40 of them, and new ones can appear up to around age 40.
Some people are simply more prone to developing many moles, often due to genetics.
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Most moles are benign, but changes over time — like uneven borders, multiple colors, itching, or bleeding — can be warning signs of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
When to see a doctor
To spot potential danger early, dermatologists recommend following the ABCDE rule for mole checks:
A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: The edges look irregular or blurred.
C – Color: Uneven or multiple colors appear in one mole.
D – Diameter: It’s larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E – Evolution: Any change in shape, size, or color — or new symptoms like bleeding — should be evaluated.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to have your skin checked by a professional.
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Protecting your skin
Freckles, age spots, and moles all have one thing in common: they’re influenced by sunlight.
The best way to prevent new spots — and lower your risk of skin cancer — is consistent sun protection.
Dermatologists recommend using SPF 50 sunscreen daily, reapplying every two hours, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun during peak hours.
Even though many skin marks are harmless, paying attention to changes can literally be lifesaving. Your skin remembers every hour of sun exposure — so treat it with care.
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This article is based on information from Videnskab