Acne can be treated, and the earlier you come, the more can be achieved. In Marrakech, Dr Sara Zahid, a dermatologist in Guéliz, sees teenagers but also more and more adults, mostly women, whose acne returns or appears after 25. Treatment is chosen according to the form of acne, its severity, the hormonal context and the skin type: mild comedonal acne, inflammatory acne and nodular acne are not treated the same way. On olive skin, it is also necessary to stop each spot from leaving a brown mark.
Blackheads and microcysts (comedonal acne), red spots and pustules (inflammatory acne), deep painful nodules (nodular acne): these forms do not call for the same treatments. The consultation starts by telling them apart, then looks for what keeps acne going in your case (hormones, occlusive cosmetics, medication, rubbing, smoking). This examination avoids piling up products that have no reason to work.
The foundation remains medical: topical retinoids to unblock pores, other topical treatments and, when acne is widespread, deep or scarring, hormonal or oral treatments, including isotretinoin. The latter requires monitoring, tests and contraception in women, because it must not be taken during pregnancy. Without underlying treatment, supporting treatments have little lasting effect.
In adults, acne often affects the lower face, chin and jawline, with flare-ups before periods. Irregular periods, excess hair or hair loss point to a hormonal cause to look for, sometimes with the help of a gynaecologist. Treatment differs from that of a teenager: it takes into account the greater risk of irritation at this age and any plan for pregnancy.
On olive or dark skin, inflammation very easily leaves brown marks that take months to fade, sometimes longer than the spots themselves. Hence two rules: treat inflammation quickly and without aggression, and apply daily sun protection, because the Marrakech sun fixes these marks. Not picking at spots matters more than you might think.
Once acne is under control, the after-effects can be treated: pigment marks, sunken or raised scars, enlarged pores. The options (Dermapen, Fotona fractional lasers, PRP) are described on the acne scars page; they are not done on acne that is still active.
A medical facial cleanse or HydraFacial Syndeo can complement the underlying treatment by clearing out the skin, and the blue light of LED therapy helps purify acne-prone skin. These are supporting treatments: they do not replace medical treatment.
Through a dermatology consultation that identifies the form of acne and prescribes suitable treatment, topical first, general if needed, with regular follow-up. The clinic's treatments (medical cleansing, HydraFacial, LED) are complementary.
No. Coming early limits the risk of scars and brown marks, especially on olive skin.
Not quite. Adults, especially women, often have hormonal acne that calls for tests and adapted treatment, with attention to possible pregnancy.
It is an effective treatment for severe acne, which requires monitoring. It is forbidden during pregnancy and requires reliable contraception in women of childbearing age. The decision is made at the consultation.
No. It can complement a treatment, never replace it.
Enlarged pores often go with oily skin or acne. Once the cause is identified, underlying treatment, a medical cleanse such as HydraFacial, or skin stimulation techniques (Dermapen, certain lasers) can be combined. The appearance of pores improves, but they do not disappear.
Once acne is under control, depending on the type of scar: Dermapen possibly combined with PRP, fractional lasers, treatment of pigment marks. The choice is made after examination and according to skin type.
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