what is a beauty spot

What is a “Beauty Spot”?

When to Leave Them, and When to Get Them Checked

We all have little marks that make our skin unique. A tiny mole on the cheek, a cluster of freckles, or a darker patch of pigment can even be considered an attractive feature — hence the name beauty spot.

But while most are harmless, some marks may need checking or treatment for medical or cosmetic reasons. Here’s what you should know about different types of beauty spots, their causes, and the treatment options available at Skin Surgery & Laser Clinic.

What Exactly Is a Beauty Spot?

A beauty spot is a small, pigmented mark on the skin — often brown, tan or black — that stands out from your natural skin tone.

They’re sometimes referred to as moles, freckles, or sun spots, depending on their cause and appearance.

Most are completely harmless and may even be part of your signature look. However, any mark that changes, grows, or looks different from the rest should always be checked by a professional.

Common Types of Beauty Spots

1. Moles

Small, round or oval growths caused by clusters of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes).

Most are benign, but they can occasionally change over time — which is why regular monitoring is important.

If a mole is raised, catching on clothing, or simply unwanted for cosmetic reasons, it can often be safely removed in a short clinic procedure.

2. Freckles and Age Spots

Flat brown marks that tend to appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, chest and hands.

Freckles are usually genetic and darken with sun exposure, while age spots (also known as sun spots or solar lentigines ) develop over time due to UV exposure.

Laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments can effectively fade these for a clearer, more even skin tone.

3. Skin Tags and Raised Lesions

Soft, skin-coloured bumps that can appear on the neck, underarms or body folds.

Completely harmless but sometimes annoying — they can be quickly removed using laser, cryotherapy (freezing), or minor surgery, usually with no downtime.

4. Pre-Cancerous or Concerning Spots

Some marks caused by long-term sun damage, such as actinic keratoses, may look rough, flaky or scaly. These are not always dangerous but can sometimes develop into skin cancer if untreated.

If a mole or spot changes in size, shape, colour, or texture, or starts bleeding or itching, it’s important to have it professionally assessed.

What Causes Beauty Spots?

Beauty spots can appear for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Sun exposure – UV light stimulates pigment-producing cells.
  • Genetics – Some people are naturally more prone to moles and freckles.
  • Ageing – Skin pigment becomes less evenly distributed over time.
  • Hormones – Pregnancy or hormonal changes can increase pigmentation.
  • Friction or irritation – Can cause small raised bumps or tags to form.

When Should You Get a Spot Checked?

You should book a consultation if you notice:

  • A new mole or spot that looks different from the rest.
  • Any change in a mole’s colour, size, shape or border.
  • A mole or spot that itches, bleeds, or doesn’t heal .
  • Multiple new spots appearing over a short period.
  • A family or personal history of skin cancer .

At Skin Surgery & Laser Clinic, we use dermoscopy – a magnified light-based skin examination – to assess each mark carefully and advise whether treatment or removal is necessary.

Treatment Options at Our Clinic

Depending on your diagnosis and goals, treatment may include:

  • Laser treatment or IPL – to fade sun spots, freckles or pigmentation.
  • Cryotherapy – freezing small benign spots or tags.
  • Minor surgical removal – for raised lesions, moles or suspicious marks.
  • Histology (lab testing) – where needed for medical reassurance.
  • Scar minimisation advice – to help skin heal smoothly post-treatment.

All treatments are performed by qualified medical professionals in a safe, clinical environment.

Protecting Your Skin

Even in the UK, daily UV exposure adds up over time. You can reduce the risk of new spots forming — and protect against skin cancer — by:

  • Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily.
  • Avoiding sunbeds and intense midday sun.
  • Wearing hats and protective clothing outdoors.
  • Performing monthly self-skin checks at home.
  • Booking professional skin reviews every 6–12 months if you have many moles or fair skin.

A Final Word

Most beauty spots are completely harmless — and many are part of what makes you you .
But if you’ve noticed changes, or simply wish to have a mark removed for comfort or cosmetic reasons, our team can help.

We offer professional skin assessments, mole checks, and minor skin surgery — with the reassurance of medical expertise and minimal-scar results.

Book a consultation today to get your skin checked by a medical specialist.
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Skin Surgery Laser Clinics

Dr Ross Perry is a qualified and experienced London GP, who founded Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003, an independent company specialising in skin treatments such as removal of lesions/blemishes.

Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.

Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma using  freezing, laser or surgical techniques.

For ultimate peace of mind, Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer a thorough top to toe mole check carried out by their trained and experienced doctors.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.