People often think that darker skin does not need sun protection. That is half true: it burns less, but it marks more. The slightest sunburn, spot or rubbing can leave a brown mark that takes months to go, and the Marrakech sun keeps these marks going. Dr Sara Zahid, dermatologist in Guéliz, is trained in the care of darker skin tones and adapts her advice and treatments to these skins.
The cells that make pigment are more reactive in olive and darker skin: after inflammation (a spot, eczema, hair removal, rubbing), they produce an excess of pigment that stays in place. This is post-inflammatory pigmentation, common and persistent.
A high-factor sunscreen, applied every day on the face, including on cloudy days, and renewed during prolonged exposure. Tinted sunscreens also protect from visible light, which keeps spots going on dark skin. A hat and sunglasses complete the protection.
Melasma forms symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, often triggered by hormones and sun. Lentigines are small sun spots. Acne marks are traces of spots. Each is treated differently, hence the value of a diagnosis before choosing a cream or a laser.
Strict sun protection, prescribed depigmenting care (no uncontrolled lightening products, sometimes harsh), sometimes laser or microneedling, with settings chosen not to make things worse. We favour gentleness, because aggression is the first enemy of olive skin.
Lightening products sold over the counter or made up informally: some contain dangerous ingredients. Rubbing a spot, scrubbing hard or multiplying harsh treatments often makes it worse.
Yes, less easily, but it marks and ages from the sun like others. Sun protection remains necessary.
You first need to know which spot it is. Treatment ranges from sun protection and prescribed care to certain lasers, depending on the diagnosis.
It is often useful on olive or dark skin, because it also protects from visible light, which keeps spots going.
It is a risk with an unsuitable laser or settings, hence the importance of choosing a doctor trained in these skins.
Several months, sometimes more, while continuing to protect from the sun. Follow-up serves to adjust.
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