Mole vs. Freckle: The Difference & When To Get It Checked

Chances are, all of us have a mole or freckle. And chances are also that we've all taken a quick glance in the mirror only to find a new spot on our face that wasn't there the week before. But is it a freckle or a mole? It turns out that question is harder to answer than we once thought. Both are common, and they even can look similar in appearance, but the truth is, moles and freckles are very different in nature. We tapped dermatologists to get the scoop on freckles and moles, what they are, where they come from, and how to know if they need to be examined. Keep reading to learn more. 

Board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Libby, M.D., says they may be round or oval-shaped, but moles can come in all different shapes and sizes. She also notes that the peak time for new moles to appear on the skin is during your 20s and 30s, but overall, the development of moles is normal. 

And yes, anyone can get freckles, no matter how light or dark your skin tone is.

Hartman and Libby gave us a few pointers on how to distinguish the difference between a freckle and a mole. Here are a few factors to consider. 

Deciphering whether a spot on your face is a mole or freckle can be quite the challenge, especially if the spot just seemed to appear overnight. Libby says the first test of knowing if the spot is a mole or freckle is to close your eyes and touch the area. "If the lesion is raised, it is definitely not a freckle." 

Although moles and freckles can be a variety of hues, Hartman says even though they can be the same color, moles often appear much darker than the typical freckle. So, if you're trying to make an educated guess and the spot appears to be dark, chances are you're dealing with a mole. 

Libby and Hartman agree that identifying the difference between a freckle and mole can be quite the challenge for the average person. If you're still not sure and want a proper diagnosis, both experts agree you should visit your local board-certified dermatologist. "A dermatologist can examine the lesion with a special magnifying light device, called a dermatoscope," Libby says. Since 99.9% of the normal population doesn't own one of those, it's best to leave the examining up to the pros.  

While both freckles and moles are common, Libby says the key to knowing if you should get checked is to be aware of new or changing moles. She recommends using the ABCDEF's of melanoma. Check for asymmetry, border, color, and diameter changes and evolving details within your mole or freckle. Here's a handy guide from board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D.:

You want to make sure you keep an eye out for this regularly, too. "​​I always tell people to party in your birthday suit on the date of your birthday and look for any 'uninvited guests,'" she says. "The more consistently you check your skin, the more likely you are to catch a precancerous or cancerous spot early, when it can be more readily treated. And when in doubt, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist."

Though they look similar, freckles and moles are actually different. But since both of these spots have the ability to pop up throughout our lifetimes, it's important to monitor them and contact an expert if there are any changes or peculiar features. But the good news is, in most cases, freckles and moles are nothing to be too worried about. Just don't forget to wear your sunscreen, practice smart sun care, and give yourself a self-exam every month and a professional exam every year.