Freckles are small, flat, light brown spots that darken in summer and fade in winter; they typically appear in clusters on sun-exposed areas
Sunspots are flat, brownish patches that don't change with seasons; they signal sun damage and appear on sun-exposed areas like hands, face and chest
Moles can be flat or raised, tan to dark brown, sometimes with hair, and should be monitored for skin cancer warning signs
Genetics play a significant role in skin spots — fair-skinned individuals with family history are more prone to freckles, while mole numbers are often genetically determined
Monthly skin checks are recommended to monitor changes in skin spots; see a doctor if you notice asymmetry, unusual borders or odd colors