Moles, freckles and birthmarks (also known as beauty marks) — might all look similar, but they are, in fact, different. It’s important to know what each mark on your skin is and to watch for any changes that could indicate skin cancer. Read on for two dermatologists’ tips on how to spot the difference between birthmarks, moles and freckles, and how to know if you need the marks checked by a doctor. What Is a Mole?As Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains, moles are pigmented lesions. They can be flat and smooth or raised and bumpy and can indicate areas of skin where pigment has clumped together. Typically, they develop during childhood or adolescence. Some may disappear with age. Keep in mind that if you are born with a mole, it is considered a birthmark.What Does a Mole Look Like?According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), moles are usually small in size — less than the size of a pencil eraser — and can be different colors, including pink and black, and can be oval or round in shape. You can find them just about anywhere on your skin: your face, scalp, armpits and even the tiniest spaces between your toes and fingers.Mole RemovalAccording to the Mayo Clinic, most moles are harmless. In rare cases, moles may become cancerous. The key is to monitor your moles and other pigmented patches for changes that may indicate melanoma (more on that later). If you’re looking to get rid of your mole, the AAD recommends seeing your dermatologist to surgically remove it. And if you have any questions or concerns about the appearance of your mole, it’s important to reach out to a board-certified dermatologist. What Are Freckles?Have you ever spent the day outdoors only to come back inside and notice spots around your nose and cheeks? Those spots, which are usually brown and flat, are called freckles, or ephelides.“Freckles are commonly seen in youth and are spot-like, flat pigmented speckles where the pigmented cells of the skin called melanocytes become active in response to ultraviolet sunlight,” says Dr. Peter Schmid, a board-certified plastic surgeon. “Freckles typically develop in individuals with very fair skin types.”What Causes Freckles?Freckles are caused by an increase in melanin, which gives our skin its color. When your body senses your skin being damaged by the sun’s UV rays, it produces more melanin in an effort to protect it from harm. This may result in an all-over color — like a tan — or small patches of freckles in some areas. Those with light-colored skin may be more prone to freckles when exposed to the sun. How to Get Rid of FrecklesIn some cases, reduced sun exposure may fade the intensity of your freckles. If you want a more permanent solution to remove freckles, speak with your dermatologist about a treatment like a chemical peel, which will exfoliate the skin’s top layers, leading to a brighter, more even complexion.If you don’t like the look of your freckles, you can  reduce your chances of getting them in the first place by wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day and reapplying at least every two hours, even when it’s overcast. We recommend the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct Face Sunscreen SPF 70 With Niacinamide, which protects against UV rays and can help lighten current signs of sun damage. We also love the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen, a lightweight formula infused with hydrating ceramides that holds an SPF 50 and is accepted by the National Eczema Association. For added protection, wear protective clothing, seek shade and avoid peak sun hours — between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. — when the rays are strongest.
