They are collections of pigment cells that may stay smooth, become raised or wrinkled, or may even fall off in old age. Moles on the face are sometimes called beauty marks. Most people have moles somewhere on their bodies. Most moles appear by age 20 and persist for an average of 50 years. There usually are more of them after the age of 50.
Moles start out as a flat brown or black spot much like a freckle.
They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, elevations, and colors. As they age, moles become larger and can develop hairs. Most become elevated and lighter in color before eventually disappearing. A few grow so tall they develop a stalk or a horn and fall off naturally. Some moles may turn into a malignancy or cancer.