It is more common than we think: things that almost everyone believes, but have long been debunked by science. Do you get acne from eating chocolate?
Evelien Verhaeghe of the department of Dermatology: 'There is no evidence for that. In general, it is very difficult to get hard evidence that any food has an effect on acne. There was quite a discussion about milk and milk products recently, but it's all not very solid. One study finds a small effect, the other finds nothing at all.'
‘Acne is caused by a blockage of the sebaceous glands. The cause is usually hormonal. That's why acne often occurs at the onset of puberty. Hormonal changes in your body cause you to produce more sebum. This clogs your pores, especially in the sebum-rich areas of your body, such as your face. These are the well-known black or white dots. Sometimes there is an inflammatory reaction, but acne in itself is not an inflammation.’
Isn't there any way to prevent acne?
'Actually, there isn't. It has nothing to do with personal hygiene, perspiration or vitamin deficiencies. To prevent acne, however, you can degrease your skin by regularly washing it with soap. But too much washing is not good either, because it dries out your skin. So: use the correct products that degrease and moisturise your skin at the same time. And, if necessary, a local and systemic treatment in addition'.
'.
Read also
New technique to produce and store vaccines is a potential game changer in handling virus outbreaks
The technology developed by Professor Thomas De Beer and his team from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences may play a key role in containing future virus outbreaks. ‘Continuous spin freeze-drying’ may facilitate and accelerate the development, production, storage and transport of, for instance, mRNA vaccines.
How small zebrafish are contributing to science
They number 15,000, the colony of zebrafish in the Core Zebrafish Facility Ghent at the site of UZ Gent. They are nurtured and cared for under optimum conditions as laboratory animals by the researchers of the Centre for Medical Genetics. “But research into genetic disorders is not all we do here,” professor Paul Coucke emphasises.
This is how to avoid parasites on holiday
Holidays! You're already looking forward to all the delicious things you'll eat while travelling, but wait ... Can you just eat anything? "There are some foods that you need to be a bit careful with.” Professor Sarah Gabriel tells us how to avoid taking an extra passenger back home
Revolution in plastic surgery: human tissue rolls out of printer
Creating new pieces of bone, muscle, skin or fat with a 3D printer to heal injuries. Sounds futuristic? The first steps are already being taken today! We spoke with plastic surgeon and professor Phillip Blondeel about his research into tissue engineering.
