CLÍNICA VALORIAN
Doctor Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera
The doctor explains

Doctor Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera Explains

Today there's something I want to explain to you. In this space I choose —beyond the usual categories— a medical, scientific, nutritional or health topic I consider important, and I explain what medicine and scientific knowledge truly allow us to understand.

— Doctor Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera

In focus · Metabolic health In focus · Skin & spots In focus · Aesthetic medicine
CO₂ Laser: why deliberately creating a micro-injury in the skin can regenerate it? Featured now Video available
Aesthetic medicine26 August 2026

CO₂ Laser: why deliberately creating a micro-injury in the skin can regenerate it?

When I explain to a patient how a CO₂ laser works, there is one sentence that can seem paradoxical: in order to force the skin to renew itself, we first create an extremely precise and controlled injury. And that is precisely the full power of the CO₂ laser. It is not simply a matter of 'heating the skin', nor of a light used randomly to stimulate collagen. The CO₂ laser is an ablative laser, used for several decades in dermatology, capable of removing extremely precise amounts of tissue while inducing, around the treated area, a controlled thermal reaction. It can be used for resurfacing and skin rejuvenation, for certain scars, but also for various dermatological indications, including certain lesions related to sun damage. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I am going to explain to you what actually happens in your skin when a CO₂ laser is used.

Read the explanation
What is longevity medicine? How to live more years in better health
Longevity & metabolism1 November 2026

What is longevity medicine? How to live more years in better health

Longevity medicine is not simply about living more years. It is about trying to live those years with better health, autonomy, energy, and quality of life.

Read the explanation
Photobiomodulation and cancer: can red light help patients during chemotherapy and radiation therapy?
Longevity & metabolism30 October 2026

Photobiomodulation and cancer: can red light help patients during chemotherapy and radiation therapy?

What science really says about red and infrared LED therapy in oncology patients, its potential benefits, its limitations, and its safety.

Read the explanation
Why do I wake up with bags under my eyes if I sleep well? Causes, conditions, and treatments
Aesthetic medicine29 October 2026

Why do I wake up with bags under my eyes if I sleep well? Causes, conditions, and treatments

It is not always due to lack of sleep, aging, or alcohol consumption. Under-eye bags can appear even in young people, athletes, and those with healthy habits. Understanding their origin is essential to choosing the right treatment.

Read the explanation
Why does acne come back after isotretinoin? A story about diet and honesty
dermatologia25 October 2026

Why does acne come back after isotretinoin? A story about diet and honesty

An experience during a teleconsultation reminded me that, in order to treat a condition properly, knowing its symptoms is not enough. We must also understand the patient's habits and build a relationship of trust.

Read the explanation
Can sugary soft drinks cause hair loss? What science says
Hair loss25 October 2026

Can sugary soft drinks cause hair loss? What science says

Can regular consumption of sugary soft drinks influence the onset of male pattern baldness? Although we traditionally associate androgenetic alopecia with genetics and hormones, scientific research is exploring the possible role of other factors, such as diet, metabolism, and certain lifestyle habits.

Read the explanation
TCA CROSS for acne scars: how it works, results and risks Video available
Aesthetic medicine23 October 2026

TCA CROSS for acne scars: how it works, results and risks

Why do some acne scars persist for years? Why do certain deep marks fail to disappear with creams, conventional peels or cosmetic treatments? And how can a localised application of trichloroacetic acid stimulate the reconstruction of a scar?

Read the explanation
15 minutes of intense muscle contractions: an unexpected medical experience in the middle of the street
Brain & longevity · First-hand experience18 October 2026

15 minutes of intense muscle contractions: an unexpected medical experience in the middle of the street

There are situations that remind us that being a doctor does not end when we leave the office. Sometimes, an emergency appears where we least expect it — without diagnostic tools, without a medical history, and without knowing anything at all about the person in front of us. A short while ago, I experienced one of those situations.

Read the explanation
Vaping and lung damage: the truth about popcorn lung, EVALI, and serious respiratory injuries
Longevity & metabolism17 October 2026

Vaping and lung damage: the truth about popcorn lung, EVALI, and serious respiratory injuries

Can an e-cigarette cause irreversible lung disease? What is the so-called “popcorn lung” really? And why were hundreds of people hospitalized with serious lung injuries related to vaping products?

Read the explanation
Emergencies in aesthetic medicine: how to recognize them, act, and protect the patient's life Video available
Aesthetic medicine14 October 2026

Emergencies in aesthetic medicine: how to recognize them, act, and protect the patient's life

What happens if a person suffers a severe allergic reaction during an aesthetic treatment? Or if they lose consciousness, go into cardiac arrest, or develop a vascular occlusion after a hyaluronic acid injection?

Read the explanation
The need to display a perfect life on social media: real happiness, a search for approval, or emotional distress?
Brain & longevity14 October 2026

The need to display a perfect life on social media: real happiness, a search for approval, or emotional distress?

What science says about people who constantly share their lives online, dependence on 'likes', self-esteem, depression, and the brain's reward mechanisms.

Read the explanation
Cutaneous drug reactions: how to recognize them, which medications cause them, and when they can be dangerous
dermatologia14 October 2026

Cutaneous drug reactions: how to recognize them, which medications cause them, and when they can be dangerous

Have you developed hives, red patches, itching, spots, or blisters after starting a medication? Could it be an allergy? And why do some reactions appear weeks after beginning a treatment? Medications are essential for preventing, controlling, and treating diseases. However, like any pharmacological intervention, they can produce adverse effects. Some of these effects manifest in the skin. A person may come to the clinic with hives, a generalized rash, acne-like lesions, peeling, dark patches, or an exaggerated reaction to the sun.

Read the explanation
The skin speaks: 25 cutaneous signs that may reveal internal diseases
dermatologia14 October 2026

The skin speaks: 25 cutaneous signs that may reveal internal diseases

Did you know that some diseases of the liver, kidneys, thyroid, metabolism, or immune system can first manifest in the skin? Sometimes, a person comes in for a consultation because small lesions have appeared on their neck, dark patches in their armpits, persistent itching, hair loss, or changes in their nails. It is natural to think that the problem lies exclusively in the skin. However, that is not always the case. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and maintains a close relationship with the hormonal, metabolic, immune, circulatory, and nervous systems. For this reason, certain internal diseases can produce cutaneous manifestations before other obvious symptoms appear.

Read the explanation
How to properly care for your skin: a complete medical guide based on your skin type
Skin & spots13 October 2026

How to properly care for your skin: a complete medical guide based on your skin type

Every day, new creams, serums, cleansers, exfoliants, and treatments appear, all promising to transform our skin. Retinol, retinal, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, peptides, ceramides, salicylic acid, glycolic acid… The list seems endless. And with so many options, a very simple question arises: what does my skin actually need? The answer does not depend on which cream is the most expensive, which brand is the most well-known, or which product is trending on social media. It depends on our skin type, its current condition, the concerns we want to address, and its ability to tolerate certain ingredients. A person with oily skin and blackheads does not necessarily need the same products as someone with rosacea, dark spots, intense dryness, or signs of aging. Even two people with the same skin type may need different routines. In this guide we will explain how to identify each skin's needs, which products to use in the morning and at night, which ingredients have real utility, and which ones may be unnecessary or counterproductive. The goal is not to use more cosmetics. It is to use the right ones, at the right time, and for a specific reason.

Read the explanation
Acne: when does it stop being "normal" and when should you see a dermatologist?
dermatologia10 October 2026

Acne: when does it stop being "normal" and when should you see a dermatologist?

Almost all of us have had a spot at some point. Especially during adolescence. That is why there is a tendency to think: "It's acne, it will go away on its own." And that is often true. But not always. Because there is an important difference between having the occasional breakout and developing acne that is causing persistent inflammation, nodules, blemishes, or scars. And this is where a fundamental question arises: when should we stop waiting and see a dermatologist? The most important answer is this: before the acne leaves permanent scars. The risk of scarring increases the more severe and prolonged the acne is.

Read the explanation
When should you see a dermatologist about a mole?
dermatologia9 October 2026

When should you see a dermatologist about a mole?

We all have moles. Some have been there for years. Others appear over time. And the vast majority are completely benign. But there is a very common question: "When should I show a mole to a dermatologist?" The answer is not: "when it is dark" nor: "when it measures more than six millimetres". The most important thing is to observe how that mole behaves. Because very often what gives us the clue is not a single characteristic. It is the change.

Read the explanation
Your face is not a testing ground: the dangers of aesthetic injections without medical supervision
Aesthetic medicine9 October 2026

Your face is not a testing ground: the dangers of aesthetic injections without medical supervision

Aesthetic medicine is not simply a matter of inserting a needle under the skin. Behind every treatment lies a complex network of arteries, veins, nerves, muscles and anatomical structures whose integrity is essential to health. An injection carried out without the proper medical knowledge can have irreversible consequences.

Read the explanation
What is a dermatologist really, and when should you see one?
dermatologia8 October 2026

What is a dermatologist really, and when should you see one?

When we think of a dermatologist, many people immediately picture: acne, moles, spots, or skin problems. But Dermatology is much broader than that. A dermatologist is a physician specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting: the skin, hair, and nails. And this covers everything from very common, benign problems to chronic inflammatory diseases, alopecias, infections, and skin cancers. That is why the question: "When should I see a dermatologist?" does not have a single answer.

Read the explanation
Blood pressure: why a reading of 120/40 mmHg can also be a concern
Longevity & metabolism8 October 2026

Blood pressure: why a reading of 120/40 mmHg can also be a concern

The importance of diastolic pressure, coronary circulation, and pulse pressure. When we talk about blood pressure, almost everyone knows the danger of having it too high. A maximum pressure of 160, 180, or 200 mmHg can worry us, and rightly so: high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. But there is a situation we talk about far less. Imagine someone takes their blood pressure and the device reads 120/40 mmHg — what we colloquially call '12 over 4.' The first number looks excellent. Yet the second is extraordinarily low. Does it mean their heart is well protected? Can an excessively low diastolic pressure compromise blood circulation? The answer requires understanding how the cardiovascular system works. Blood pressure does not have one important number and one secondary one. It has two values that must be interpreted together. A low diastolic pressure can be normal in certain contexts, but it can also reveal vascular, valvular, or circulatory abnormalities, or problems related to antihypertensive treatment.

Read the explanation
Facial rejuvenation: what treatments exist and which one may be right for each skin type
Aesthetic medicine7 October 2026

Facial rejuvenation: what treatments exist and which one may be right for each skin type

«Doctor, I want to rejuvenate my face.» It is a phrase we hear constantly. But a question immediately arises: what does rejuvenating actually mean? Eliminating wrinkles? Restoring volume? Improving dark spots? Minimising pores? Improving texture? Achieving a more radiant complexion? Looking less tired? Because two people can ask for exactly the same thing: «I want a facial rejuvenation». And need completely different treatments. The reason is simple: we do not all age in the same way.

Read the explanation
Forehead wrinkles: why they appear and how to treat them
Aesthetic medicine6 October 2026

Forehead wrinkles: why they appear and how to treat them

You raise your eyebrows. And several horizontal lines appear on your forehead. At first they disappear completely when you relax your face. Then you start to notice that a line or two remains. And over the years, there may come a point when they stay visible even with your face completely relaxed. These are what we know as forehead wrinkles. But to understand how to treat them, we need to start with something many people are unaware of: these wrinkles don't appear simply because the skin is ageing. They appear, in large part, because underneath lies a muscle we use constantly. The frontalis. And understanding how this muscle works completely changes the way we approach treating the forehead.

Read the explanation
Wrinkles: why they appear and what treatments exist
Aesthetic medicine5 October 2026

Wrinkles: why they appear and what treatments exist

We look in the mirror and spot a line that wasn't there before. At first we only see it when we smile. Then it starts to stay even when the face is relaxed. And one of the most common questions in aesthetic medicine arises: «What can I do to get rid of wrinkles?» But before talking about treatments, we need to understand something important: not all wrinkles appear for the same reason. A forehead wrinkle caused by the repeated movement of a muscle does not behave the same way as a fine line produced mainly by photoageing. And a crease related to structural changes and loss of facial support is not necessarily treated in the same way either. That is why, when we talk about eliminating wrinkles, my first question is not: «What product do we use to fill it?». It is: «Why did it form?»

Read the explanation
Vitiligo: why white patches appear and what treatments exist
Skin & spots4 October 2026

Vitiligo: why white patches appear and what treatments exist

One or several completely white areas appear on the skin. Perhaps around the eyes. On the hands. On the elbows. On the face. And one of the first words that comes to mind is: vitiligo. But what exactly is it? Vitiligo is a disease in which pigmentation is lost because the melanocitos — the cells responsible for producing melanin — stop functioning or disappear from certain areas of the skin. It is not an infection. It is not contagious. And it does not appear because the skin is 'dry' or simply because of a vitamin deficiency. It is a complex disease in which the immune system plays a role.

Read the explanation
Can a spot be skin cancer? Warning signs Video available
Skin cancer3 October 2026

Can a spot be skin cancer? Warning signs

A spot appears on the skin. It is dark. Or red. Or pink. Perhaps it has been there for years. Or perhaps it appeared just a few months ago. And a very common question arises: "Could it be skin cancer?" The answer is: yes, some skin lesions can represent a skin cancer, but the vast majority of spots are not. The important thing is not to live worried about every mole or every spot. The important thing is to learn to recognise which changes deserve a dermatological evaluation. Because skin cancer, including melanoma, can be detected in early stages by observing changes in the skin.

Read the explanation
Red spots on the skin: what could they mean?
Skin & spots2 October 2026

Red spots on the skin: what could they mean?

Red spots appear on the skin. Sometimes they itch. Sometimes they don't. They can be flat, raised, as small as pinpoints, or form larger patches. And one of the first questions is: «What could this be?» The answer is broad because, just as with white or brown spots, the color red is not a diagnosis. It can reflect inflammation. Dilation of small vessels. An allergic reaction. An infection. A vascular disorder. Or a small bleed beneath the skin. That is why, to interpret a red lesion, we need to look at much more than just the color.

Read the explanation
Weight and body composition: why the scale doesn't tell you whether you've gained fat
Longevity & metabolism2 October 2026

Weight and body composition: why the scale doesn't tell you whether you've gained fat

You weigh yourself in the morning: 72.4 kg. The next day you step on the scale again: 73.2 kg. The first reaction is usually immediate: 'I've gained almost a kilogram.' But have you really gained almost a kilogram of fat? Probably not. Simply drinking one litre of water adds approximately one kilogram of mass to your body at that moment. We can also weigh more after a large meal, due to fluid retention, after consuming more salt or carbohydrates, because of hormonal changes, or simply because our intestines contain more food. The problem is not the scale. The problem is interpreting everything the scale calls weight as fat. Our body weight is simply the sum of different compartments, and understanding them completely changes the way we should assess a loss or gain in weight.

Read the explanation
White spots on the skin: the most common causes
Skin & spots1 October 2026

White spots on the skin: the most common causes

A white spot appears on the skin. And one of the first words many people search for on the Internet is: vitiligo. That is understandable. Vitiligo is probably one of the best-known conditions associated with the appearance of white spots. But there is something fundamental we need to understand: not all white spots on the skin are vitiligo. They can appear for many reasons. A superficial infection. A dermatitis. An inflammation that has already cleared up. Accumulated sun damage. Or, indeed, a condition such as vitiligo. That is why, before asking ourselves how to restore the colour, we must answer a far more important question: why has this area lost its colour?

Read the explanation
Sun spots on the face: how to prevent and treat them Video available
Skin & spots30 September 2026

Sun spots on the face: how to prevent and treat them

Over the years, small brown spots begin to appear on the face. On the hands too. On the décolletage. On the shoulders. Many people simply call them 'age spots'. But in reality, most of them have much more to do with our history of sun exposure than with our age alone. They are known as solar lentigines. And they tell us something interesting: our skin remembers the sun it has received over the years. That is why, when we talk about sun spots on the face, we should not think only about last summer. We are talking about ultraviolet exposure accumulated over much of our lifetime.

Read the explanation
The D-dimer test: what it is, what it is used for, and what the results mean
30 September 2026

The D-dimer test: what it is, what it is used for, and what the results mean

More and more patients arrive at the clinic with a lab report in hand and one word that worries them: D-dimer. Sometimes it was ordered in the emergency room, sometimes it is part of a broader workup, and it almost always prompts the same question: 'Doctor, does this mean I have a clot?' The honest answer is that an elevated D-dimer does not confirm anything on its own, and a normal D-dimer, in the right context, is very reassuring. The D-dimer is one of those tests we understand much better once we grasp what it was actually designed for. It is not a test to 'confirm' a clot; above all, it is meant to help rule one out when clinical suspicion is low. That distinction, which may seem subtle, changes absolutely everything when it comes to interpreting the result. In this article I want to explain to you, with rigour but without unnecessary jargon, exactly what this test measures, why it is requested, what its results mean, and — perhaps most importantly — why a single number should never be read without the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Read the explanation
Spots on the face: causes and treatments Video available
Skin & spots29 September 2026

Spots on the face: causes and treatments

Facial spots are one of the most common reasons for dermatological and aesthetic consultations. They are also one of the most frequently mistreated problems. Why? Because when we see a brown spot, we tend to think: 'I need a depigmenting cream.' Or: 'I need a laser.' But before deciding how to remove a spot, there is a much more important question: What type of spot is it? Melasma, a solar lentigo, and post-acne hyperpigmentation can all look similar in color. However, their origin, behavior, and treatment are different. That is why, when we talk about treatment for facial spots, the first treatment is neither the laser nor the cream. It is the diagnosis.

Read the explanation
Skin spots: why they appear and when we should seek medical advice
Skin & spots28 September 2026

Skin spots: why they appear and when we should seek medical advice

A spot appears on our skin. It is brown. Or white. Or red. And the question quickly arises: "What is this?" Online we can find hundreds of photographs and possible diagnoses, but there is something we must understand from the outset: a spot on the skin is not a diagnosis. It is simply a change in the colour or usual appearance of our skin. It can appear due to sun exposure, inflammation, changes in melanin production, dermatological conditions, medications, and many other causes. The vast majority of spots we notice are not skin cancer. However, certain pigmented lesions can be an early manifestation of cutaneous cancer. That is why the goal is not to be afraid of every spot. The goal is to learn which ones we should keep an eye on.

Read the explanation
What is a trichologist and when should you see one? Video available
Hair loss27 September 2026

What is a trichologist and when should you see one?

If your hair is falling out, you have less density than before, or you notice some problem with your scalp, you have probably come across a word while searching for information online: trichologist. And the next question immediately arises: What is a trichologist? The answer is simple, but it deserves an important clarification. Trichology is the field that studies hair, the hair follicle, the scalp and their diseases. In medicine, these diseases fall fundamentally within the scope of Dermatology. In Spain, the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology even has a Spanish Group of Trichology and Onychology made up of dermatologists specialised in hair diseases.

Read the explanation
Telogen effluvium: why hair suddenly falls out Video available
Hair loss26 September 2026

Telogen effluvium: why hair suddenly falls out

"Doctor, for the past few weeks my hair has been falling out in enormous amounts." Hair in the shower. In the brush. On the pillow. On clothing. The sensation can be truly alarming because, unlike other forms of alopecia, the amount of hair that falls out can increase very noticeably in a relatively short period of time. One possible explanation is telogen effluvium. And it has a particular feature that puzzles many patients: the cause may have occurred two or three months before the shedding begins. That is why, when we try to understand what is happening, we should not only ask ourselves what occurred this week. We need to look back.

Read the explanation
Alopecia areata: why it appears and how it is treated
Hair loss25 September 2026

Alopecia areata: why it appears and how it is treated

One day you look in the mirror and notice a round patch completely bare of hair. The skin looks normal. It doesn't necessarily hurt. It doesn't necessarily itch. The hair has simply disappeared in one specific area. This is one of the most characteristic ways in which alopecia areata presents itself. And although the first instinct is often to think of stress, vitamins, or a hair problem, the reality is different: alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. The immune system inappropriately attacks structures of the hair follicle and disrupts its ability to produce hair. But there is something very important we need to understand from the outset: the follicle is generally not destroyed. And this explains why hair can grow back. (aad.org)

Read the explanation
Androgenetic alopecia: causes, symptoms and treatments Video available
Hair loss24 September 2026

Androgenetic alopecia: causes, symptoms and treatments

Androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common causes of progressive hair loss. And there is one characteristic that sets it apart from many other forms of hair loss: the hair does not disappear overnight. It gradually becomes thinner and thinner. This process is called follicular miniaturization. A follicle that once produced thick, long, pigmented hair begins to produce increasingly fine and short hairs. That is why many people do not seek a consultation because they find large amounts of hair in the shower. They seek help because one day they realize they have less density than before. And the earlier we identify this process, the greater our chances of preserving the follicles that are still active.

Read the explanation
Alopecia: what it is, what types exist and how to recognize them
Hair loss23 September 2026

Alopecia: what it is, what types exist and how to recognize them

When we hear the word alopecia, we tend to think simply of 'losing hair'. But medically, it is far more complex. There are different types of alopecia, each with completely distinct causes, progression and treatments. Some cause a sudden shedding and may be reversible. Others lead to a progressive loss of density over the course of years. And there is a particularly important group in which inflammation can permanently destroy the hair follicle. That is why, when faced with hair loss, the question should not only be 'How do I stop it from falling out?' We must first ask ourselves: 'What type of alopecia do I have?'

Read the explanation
Treatment for hair loss: what really works?
Hair loss22 September 2026

Treatment for hair loss: what really works?

When hair starts to fall out, the reaction is usually immediate: an anti-hair loss shampoo, vitamins, ampoules, minoxidil, some product recommended on social media. But there is a problem with this strategy: we are starting treatment before knowing the diagnosis. And when we talk about treatment for hair loss, the first question should not be 'Which product works best?' The right question is: 'Why is the hair falling out?' Because there are many types of hair loss and they are not all treated in the same way. In fact, some forms can improve spontaneously while others require early treatment to prevent permanent loss.

Read the explanation
Hair loss in women: the most common causes and what to do Video available
Hair loss21 September 2026

Hair loss in women: the most common causes and what to do

"Doctor, I'm losing so much hair." This is an extremely common concern in my practice. Sometimes it started after an illness, a period of stress, or weight loss. Other times, the patient simply notices that her ponytail has less volume, that she can increasingly see her scalp, or that her centre parting is gradually getting wider. But there is something fundamental we need to understand: hair loss in women does not have a single cause. And before buying vitamins, switching shampoos, or starting a treatment, we need to try to find out why the hair is falling out.

Read the explanation
Minoxidil for hair loss: how it works and when to use it
Hair loss20 September 2026

Minoxidil for hair loss: how it works and when to use it

When we talk about hair loss, one name keeps coming up: minoxidil. It is available in pharmacies, on social media and in forums, and it is one of the best-known treatments for certain types of alopecia. But this has also created a misconception: 'If my hair is falling out, I need to use minoxidil.' Not necessarily. Minoxidil can be a very useful treatment, but hair loss is not a diagnosis. Before using it, we need to know what type of hair loss we are dealing with.

Read the explanation
Hair loss: causes, diagnosis and treatments
Hair loss19 September 2026

Hair loss: causes, diagnosis and treatments

Finding more hair than usual in the shower, on your pillow or in your brush can be worrying. But hair loss is not a disease in itself: it is a sign that can have very different causes. And this distinction is fundamental, because there is no single hair loss treatment that works for everyone. Before treating, we need to understand what is actually going on.

Read the explanation
Does collagen in cream or capsule form rejuvenate the skin? What we actually know
Aesthetic medicine18 September 2026

Does collagen in cream or capsule form rejuvenate the skin? What we actually know

Collagen has become the buzzword of the cosmetics world: it appears in creams, capsules, powders that dissolve in your coffee, and even in gummy sweets. The promise is always the same: to restore firm, radiant, youthful skin. It sounds wonderful… but does it actually work? I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain this to you without trying to sell you anything. Let's look at what collagen is, why we lose it as the years go by, and, above all, what the scientific evidence — not advertising — actually says about taking it or applying it to your skin.

Read the explanation
Are there fungi in your nose? The nasal mycobiome and its curious relationship with asthma and allergy
Longevity & metabolism17 September 2026

Are there fungi in your nose? The nasal mycobiome and its curious relationship with asthma and allergy

We have all heard about the gut microbiota, that community of bacteria in the intestine that has almost become famous. But there is a much lesser-known neighbourhood that is no less fascinating: the collection of fungi that inhabit the walls of our nose. Scientists call it the nasal mycobiome. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain a finding that I find very interesting: people with asthma or allergic rhinitis have a considerably more diverse population of fungi in their nose than healthy individuals. What does this mean? Do fungi cause allergy, or do they simply accompany the disease? Let us look at this calmly and without exaggeration.

Read the explanation
Is itching a form of pain? Why we scratch (and why we shouldn't)
Skin & spots15 September 2026

Is itching a form of pain? Why we scratch (and why we shouldn't)

"Is itching a kind of pain?" It's a question I'm often asked, and the short answer is fascinating: not exactly. But itching and pain are very close relatives — so close that they sometimes get confused and, above all, counteract each other. I'm Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what really happens beneath the skin when something "itches," why scratching brings relief for a few seconds… and why, for that very reason, the itch almost always comes back worse.

Read the explanation
Botox: does it really stay where it's injected? What science says
Aesthetic medicine15 September 2026

Botox: does it really stay where it's injected? What science says

You may have seen posts circulating on social media claiming that botulinum toxin 'travels to the brain,' alters neurotransmitters, and may even contribute to certain neurological diseases. So what does the science actually say? The answer is more nuanced. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to calmly explain what we truly know: how botulinum toxin works, whether it stays exactly where it is injected, and what real risks exist. Without trivializing it, but without demonizing it either.

Read the explanation
RNA vaccine against melanoma: what you need to know about this breakthrough
Skin cancer11 September 2026

RNA vaccine against melanoma: what you need to know about this breakthrough

The promise of RNA vaccines against cancer is beginning to become reality. On August 19, 2026, the biotechnology company Moderna — creator of one of the most widely used vaccines against coronavirus — announced very positive results from a phase III trial of a vaccine against melanoma, a particularly dangerous form of skin cancer. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain to you, calmly and without exaggerating, exactly what this vaccine is, how it works, and why — even though this is hopeful news — it is worth clearly understanding who it is intended for and what its limitations are.

Read the explanation
Passive smoking: an invisible danger that kills more than 1.6 million people a year
Longevity & metabolism8 September 2026

Passive smoking: an invisible danger that kills more than 1.6 million people a year

Passive smoking is not a minor nuisance or 'smelling a little like smoke.' A new study estimates that around 2.7 billion people — including 767 million children — were exposed to secondhand smoke in 2023, and that this exposure caused 1.66 million premature deaths. It is, quite simply, one of the great invisible public health problems of our time. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what this study found, why the smoke we breathe in without choosing to is even more toxic than many people imagine, and what we can do about it.

Read the explanation
Personalized nutrition based on your microbiome: science or marketing?
Longevity & metabolism8 September 2026

Personalized nutrition based on your microbiome: science or marketing?

More and more companies are offering to analyze your gut microbiome in order to design a 'tailored' diet just for you. The idea is very appealing: if every person has different bacteria, why not adapt your diet to match yours? But it's worth asking yourself something before paying for it: is this actually backed by science? I'm Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what we do and don't know about personalized nutrition based on the microbiome, and which recommendations are genuinely supported by evidence today.

Read the explanation
Sugar in the first 1,000 days: how early nutrition shapes health for life
Longevity & metabolism8 September 2026

Sugar in the first 1,000 days: how early nutrition shapes health for life

It is often repeated, but rarely well explained: the first 1,000 days of life — from conception to age two — are a decisive window for lifelong health. And a series of recent studies has just given us one of the most elegant demonstrations I have seen of the role of added sugar during that period. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what these studies have found, why their design is so interesting, and, above all, what reasonable conclusions we can — and cannot — draw from them.

Read the explanation
Can a very common virus trigger skin cancer?
Skin cancer8 September 2026

Can a very common virus trigger skin cancer?

You have probably heard of the human papillomavirus — HPV — especially because certain types can cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, or some throat cancers. But there is another, far less well-known family: the beta-papillomaviruses, or beta-HPV. These are extremely common viruses that normally live on our skin: many of us carry them without knowing it, and under ordinary circumstances our immune system keeps them perfectly under control. But an extraordinary case has just been described that compels us to understand their relationship with skin cancer a little better.

Read the explanation
Leser-Trélat Sign: When the Skin Can Warn Us of an Internal Problem
Skin cancer8 September 2026

Leser-Trélat Sign: When the Skin Can Warn Us of an Internal Problem

Some people come to my clinic and tell me: 'Doctor, I've suddenly developed so many little brown bumps all over my chest and back,' 'I had a few before, but now many more have appeared in just a few months,' 'and on top of that, they itch.' In most cases, what are known as seborrheic keratoses are completely benign lesions that are very common with age. However, there is a particular, uncommon situation that every physician must know about: the Leser-Trélat sign. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what this sign means, why it may be linked to certain internal diseases, and, above all, why we should not turn it into an unnecessary source of fear.

Read the explanation
How to choose a good aesthetic physician: warning signs before a treatment Video available
Aesthetic medicine7 September 2026

How to choose a good aesthetic physician: warning signs before a treatment

Aesthetic medicine has grown enormously in recent years, and with it have come new treatments, new devices, new products, and new promises. The problem is that, for a patient, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between a sound medical recommendation and a clever marketing campaign. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what I consider important before you entrust your face or body to an aesthetic medicine treatment. There is no perfect formula, but there are certain warning signs that should give you pause.

Read the explanation
Radiofrequency and facial HIFU: why I personally do not recommend them for facial rejuvenation Video available
Aesthetic medicine6 September 2026

Radiofrequency and facial HIFU: why I personally do not recommend them for facial rejuvenation

I will be very clear from the outset: I personally do not recommend deep radiofrequency or facial HIFU as routine rejuvenation treatments. And I will tell you something even more direct: if these technologies truly worked to rejuvenate the face, I would have them in my clinic. I do not. And below I will explain exactly why. This is not an opinion I formed recently. I have been observing patients treated with these technologies since approximately 2014 — more than twelve years. And my clinical experience has been repeatedly disappointing. I have seen patients who noticed virtually no improvement, patients who spent significant sums of money hoping for a 'surgery-free facelift' that never materialised, and patients who, months later, report greater hollowing, volume loss, tissues they perceive as weaker, and an overall more aged appearance. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain why I personally do not use these technologies as a routine strategy for facial rejuvenation.

Read the explanation
High vitamin A without taking supplements: how is that possible?
Longevity & metabolism5 September 2026

High vitamin A without taking supplements: how is that possible?

There is a lab result that puzzles many patients. They come to the appointment and tell me: 'Doctor, my vitamin A is very high.' And they immediately add: 'But I don't take vitamin A,' 'I don't take retinol,' 'I don't eat liver,' 'I eat one or two eggs a day, nothing more.' 'So where is it coming from?' I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain something important: an elevated vitamin A level in the blood does not necessarily mean you are eating too much vitamin A. The metabolism of this vitamin is considerably more complex. Before reaching the conclusion that there is a toxicity, we need to know exactly what was measured, under what conditions, and how the liver, the kidneys, and the proteins that transport this vitamin function.

Read the explanation
Atopic dermatitis on the face: how to recognize it and why it can leave dark spots? Video available
Skin & spots26 August 2026

Atopic dermatitis on the face: how to recognize it and why it can leave dark spots?

There are patients who come to my office and tell me: 'Doctor, my face is dry, it itches, it turns red and flakes. Then it gets better, but I'm left with a dark spot for weeks or even months.' And another concern often arises: is the dermatitis still active? Have I got a scar? Why is my skin still dark if the eczema has already gone away? I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain two aspects that are intimately connected: how to recognize atopic dermatitis on an adult's face, and why, after an inflammatory flare, the skin can remain darker for a long time. Because inflammation is one thing. And the mark that inflammation can leave on the skin's pigmentation is quite another.

Read the explanation
Hair loss: beware of 'hair charlatanism' Video available
Hair loss26 August 2026

Hair loss: beware of 'hair charlatanism'

There is something I am seeing more and more frequently in my practice: patients who have been losing hair for six months, a year, or even longer. They have tried shampoos, ampoules, vitamins, serums, lotions, 'detox' treatments, 'strengthening' products… And when they finally come to a dermatological consultation, they tell me: 'Doctor, I already had my hair examined.' So I ask: 'By whom?' And very often the answer is: 'At the hairdresser's,' 'At a pharmacy,' 'Someone came with a camera and looked at my scalp.' And here I want to be very clear: looking at a hair with a camera does not mean diagnosing alopecia. When a person without medical training uses a small camera, shows the patient a thin hair on a screen, and from there claims that 'your hair is weakened,' that 'your follicle is closed,' and that 'you need this treatment' — and, conveniently, the treatment you need happens to be precisely the product that same person is selling — to me, that very often crosses into the territory of charlatanism. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain why hair loss deserves much more than an enlarged photograph and an expensive shampoo.

Read the explanation
Solar lentigines, age spots and brown patches: why do they appear more with age? Video available
Skin & spots26 August 2026

Solar lentigines, age spots and brown patches: why do they appear more with age?

Over time, many people start to notice the same thing: "Doctor, I keep getting more and more spots." On the face, the hands, the décolletage, the forearms. And the question arises: "Is it simply age?". The answer is: yes… but not only that. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain why the so-called solar lentigines appear, why they used to be referred to as senile lentigines, and why the skin accumulates more and more spots as the years go by.

Read the explanation
Atopic dermatitis: why does it itch more at night? Video available
Skin & spots26 August 2026

Atopic dermatitis: why does it itch more at night?

Some patients tell me something very specific: "Doctor, I manage reasonably well during the day, but at night it becomes unbearable." They go to bed, the itching starts, they scratch, they wake up, they scratch again… and the next day they are exhausted. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain why atopic dermatitis can itch so much more at night, why it affects sleep so severely, and what we can do to break that cycle. Because one thing is important: nighttime itching is not an exaggerated sensation or a matter of "just putting up with it." It has a biological explanation.

Read the explanation
Atopic dermatitis and diet: are there foods that can worsen flare-ups? Video available
Skin & spots26 August 2026

Atopic dermatitis and diet: are there foods that can worsen flare-ups?

When someone has atopic dermatitis, one of the first questions they tend to ask is: 'Could it be something I'm eating?' And then the search begins: gluten, milk, eggs, chocolate, tomato, nuts, sugar… Sometimes the patient ends up eliminating so many foods that their diet becomes extremely restrictive. And yet, the skin stays exactly the same. I'm Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what relationship truly exists between atopic dermatitis and diet. Because yes, in some patients certain foods can have an influence. But it is also very important to avoid a mistaken idea: atopic dermatitis is not, in the majority of adults, a disease simply caused by a hidden food intolerance.

Read the explanation
Atopic dermatitis in adults: symptoms, causes and treatments Video available
Skin & spots26 August 2026

Atopic dermatitis in adults: symptoms, causes and treatments

"Doctor, my skin is dry, it itches terribly, and at certain times it turns red. I put on cream, it gets better… and then it comes back again." It is a story I hear constantly in my practice, and behind it there may lie an extremely common condition: atopic dermatitis. Many people think that atopic dermatitis is an exclusively childhood disease. That is not the case: it can persist from childhood into adulthood, reappear after years of calm, or, in some patients, manifest for the first time in adulthood. And we are not simply talking about "having dry skin" — this is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, involving impairment of the skin barrier, inflammation, and, above all, a symptom that can profoundly affect quality of life: itching. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain to you what really happens in atopic skin, why flare-ups occur, and, most importantly, what we can currently do to keep them under control.

Read the explanation
Lichen planus: is it contagious? Why can it affect the genitals or cause hair loss? Video available
dermatologia26 August 2026

Lichen planus: is it contagious? Why can it affect the genitals or cause hair loss?

"Doctor, how did I catch this?" That is probably one of the questions I am asked most often when I diagnose lichen planus, especially when it affects the genitals. The patient immediately thinks of an infection, a sexually transmitted infection, or wonders whether their partner passed it on to them. And the first thing I want to explain is very simple: no, lichen planus is not a sexually transmitted infection, it is not contagious, and you did not 'catch' it from someone. It is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease: for reasons that are still not fully understood, the immune system triggers a reaction against certain cells of the skin, the mucous membranes, or, in certain forms, the hair follicles. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain this condition to you, because it is far more varied than one might imagine: it can affect the skin, the mouth, the genitals, the nails, and even the scalp. And depending on where it appears, it can produce completely different symptoms.

Read the explanation
My hormones are normal… so why do I have acne and am I losing my hair? Video available
Hormonal health26 August 2026

My hormones are normal… so why do I have acne and am I losing my hair?

"Doctor, I've had all my tests done. My gynaecologist told me everything was normal: my testosterone is normal, my thyroid is normal, everything is within the laboratory reference values. So why do I still have acne? Why is my hair getting thinner? Why do I sometimes have more hair in certain areas? If my hormones are normal, it can't be hormonal… can it?" Not necessarily. I'm Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain something I come across very often in my consultations: a normal hormonal panel does not necessarily mean that your symptoms have no connection to your hormones. And to understand this, we need to stop looking at a hormone as a simple number.

Read the explanation
Skinboosters, polynucleotides, collagen inducers: what is the real difference? Video available
Aesthetic medicine26 August 2026

Skinboosters, polynucleotides, collagen inducers: what is the real difference?

Skinbooster, polynucleotides, hyaluronic acid, biostimulator, collagen inducer, PDRN, Sculptra, Radiesse… Today, in aesthetic medicine, there are so many terms and new products that it has become extremely difficult for a patient to understand what is actually being injected. And I am noticing an increasingly frequent source of confusion: nearly all of these treatments are lumped into the same category under the label 'biostimulation'. Yet they do not all do exactly the same thing. A product designed to restore volume does not have the same goal as a product designed primarily to hydrate the dermis, and a product that triggers genuine collagen induction does not work the same way as polynucleotides. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I am going to try to bring some order to this jungle of aesthetic medicine.

Read the explanation
Black line on the nail: when should we be concerned? Video available
Skin cancer26 August 2026

Black line on the nail: when should we be concerned?

A brown or black line running along a nail can be quite striking. And when we search for information online, it is easy to quickly come across a word that causes concern: melanoma. But I want to start by reassuring you: a black line on the nail does not automatically mean that a melanoma is present. In fact, there are many completely benign causes capable of producing this type of pigmentation. However, there are certain characteristics that make it advisable to have it examined, especially when the band appears recently, changes, or evolves over time. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, a physician, and today I want to explain to you what longitudinal melanonychia is, why it appears, and, above all, how we know when a black line on the nail deserves to be investigated.

Read the explanation
End of summer: the right time to have your skin checked Video available
Skin cancer26 August 2026

End of summer: the right time to have your skin checked

Summer is coming to an end. Your tan is still there. Perhaps you spent a lot of time in the sun, perhaps you had one or more sunburns. And perhaps you noticed a new spot, a mole that looks different to you, a small lesion that won't heal, or simply something on your skin that you had never really looked at before. This is precisely the right moment to take a close look at your skin. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I would like to talk to you about something that is particularly close to my heart as a physician: the prevention and early detection of skin cancers — an essential subject in dermatology. Because our skin has an extraordinary characteristic: it is one of the few organs we can examine directly. And when a skin cancer is detected early enough, managing it is generally much more straightforward.

Read the explanation
Can we naturally stimulate our GLP-1 through diet?
Longevity & metabolism26 August 2026

Can we naturally stimulate our GLP-1 through diet?

You have probably heard about GLP-1: Ozempic, Wegovy, and other medications used today for diabetes and obesity management. But what many people don't know is that GLP-1 is not a medication: it is first and foremost a hormone that your own body produces naturally. And, even more interesting: what you eat influences its secretion. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I am going to explain which foods can support our natural GLP-1, and how to build a diet that intelligently harnesses this satiety system we already possess.

Read the explanation
LED masks: true photobiomodulation or just red light? Video available
Aesthetic medicine26 August 2026

LED masks: true photobiomodulation or just red light?

You've almost certainly seen them on social media: those famous masks you place over your face that light up in red, blue, sometimes near-infrared. You're promised fewer wrinkles, more collagen, fewer dark spots, less acne, firmer skin, better healing — sometimes almost a complete facial rejuvenation. And some of these masks cost several hundred euros. So naturally, the question arises: does it actually work? I'm Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I'm going to explain why the answer is far more interesting than a simple yes or no. I want to start with something very clear: photobiomodulation is not a scam. That said, not every device that produces red light actually delivers effective photobiomodulation. And that is the whole difference.

Read the explanation
Vitamin B1 and insulin: the forgotten vitamin of glucose metabolism
Longevity & metabolism26 August 2026

Vitamin B1 and insulin: the forgotten vitamin of glucose metabolism

When we talk about blood sugar, we almost always talk about insulin. We talk about the pancreas, insulin resistance, GLUT4. But there is one question that gets far less attention: once glucose has entered your cell, what does your cell actually do with it? Because getting glucose into a cell is not enough — your cell also needs to be able to efficiently convert that glucose into energy. And to do that, your body needs a small molecule that rarely gets the attention it deserves: vitamin B1, or thiamine. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I am going to explain to you why this vitamin is intimately linked to glucose metabolism, to our mitochondria, and, indirectly, to the entire physiology of insulin.

Read the explanation
PCOS: why insulin is often at the heart of the problem Video available
Longevity & metabolism19 August 2026

PCOS: why insulin is often at the heart of the problem

When you hear about polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, you probably think immediately of the ovaries: irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, difficulty getting pregnant, sometimes weight gain. And yet, in many women, a significant part of the story unfolds elsewhere: in their metabolism. And more specifically, in the way their body responds to a hormone you certainly know well: insulin. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I am going to explain to you the fascinating link that exists between insulin, the ovaries, and sex hormones.

Read the explanation
Why walking after a meal is probably one of the simplest metabolic habits to adopt
Longevity & metabolism12 August 2026

Why walking after a meal is probably one of the simplest metabolic habits to adopt

You have just finished your meal. What do you do? Do you sit on the sofa? Do you go straight back to your computer? Or do you go for a short walk? It almost sounds too simple to be interesting. And yet: walking after a meal can immediately change the way your body handles the glucose you have just eaten. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I am going to explain why a simple walk after lunch or dinner can become an excellent habit for your metabolic health. To understand this, we need to start with something your body does after virtually every meal.

Read the explanation
Microbiome: what if we stopped trying to add bacteria? Video available
Longevity & metabolism5 August 2026

Microbiome: what if we stopped trying to add bacteria?

For years, whenever the subject of the gut microbiome came up, the answer seemed almost automatic: 'Take probiotics.' A few billion Lactobacillus, some Bifidobacterium, sometimes a yeast such as Saccharomyces boulardii, all packed into a capsule with the promise of 'rebuilding the gut flora.' Personally, I find myself questioning this reasoning more and more forcefully. Not because all probiotics are useless — certain strains have well-defined indications and interesting clinical data. But because the idea that we could restore an extraordinarily complex intestinal ecosystem simply by arbitrarily adding a handful of industrially selected micro-organisms now strikes me as far too simplistic. And above all because modern microbiome research is gradually compelling us to shift our entire paradigm.

Read the explanation
Bitten by a viper: what you should do… and above all what you should never do
dermatologia29 July 2026

Bitten by a viper: what you should do… and above all what you should never do

You are walking in nature. You place your foot near a rock, in tall grass, or close to a stone wall. A sudden sharp pain. You look down at your leg. Two small puncture marks appear on the skin. And you may have just been bitten by a viper. What do you do? Apply a tourniquet? Suck out the venom? Cut into the bite? Put ice on it? Try to catch the snake to bring it to the emergency room? No. And some of these reactions can actually be dangerous. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I am going to explain what really happens during a viper bite and, above all, the actions that can make a difference.

Read the explanation
What is metabolism, really?
Longevity & metabolism22 July 2026

What is metabolism, really?

You hear this word absolutely everywhere: 'I have a slow metabolism', 'as I've gotten older, my metabolism has collapsed', 'you need to kick-start your metabolism', 'I'm gaining weight because I'm not burning anything anymore'. But when it comes down to it, what actually is metabolism? Because, contrary to what many people imagine, it doesn't simply correspond to the number of calories you burn. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I'm going to try to explain something extraordinarily complex in simple terms: how your body continuously transforms matter and energy to keep you alive.

Read the explanation
Pheomelanin: why redheads react differently to the sun and what it means for their skin
Skin cancer17 July 2026

Pheomelanin: why redheads react differently to the sun and what it means for their skin

Why can some people expose themselves to the sun and gradually develop a tan, while others burn very easily, develop freckles and barely manage to tan at all? A significant part of the answer is written in our genes and in the type of melanin our skin produces. When we talk about pigmentation, we tend to use a single word: melanin. However, there are two major families of pigments with different biological properties: eumelanin and pheomelanin. The first is brown-black and provides relatively greater protection against ultraviolet radiation; the second is yellow-reddish, offers far less UV protection and has a different chemistry. The classic phenotype of red hair, fair skin, freckles and a tendency to burn is closely linked to variants of the MC1R gene, which alter precisely this pigmentary balance. And understanding this allows us to explain something fundamental: skin that does not tan easily does not need to 'get used to the sun.' It needs a photoprotection strategy adapted to its biology.

Read the explanation
"I've never been sunburned there… so why do I have skin cancer here?" Video available
Skin cancer15 July 2026

"I've never been sunburned there… so why do I have skin cancer here?"

"Doctor, I don't understand. That part of my body almost never sees the sun. How is it possible to have skin cancer there?" It's a sentence we hear regularly, and the question is entirely legitimate: for years we have been taught that sun = skin cancer. That is broadly true — ultraviolet radiation is the main environmental factor responsible for skin cancers. But the reality is far more interesting, because a skin cancer does not necessarily develop at the spot where you remember getting a sunburn. And above all, not all skin cancers develop in the same way. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I am going to explain why.

Read the explanation
Regenerative hair treatments: PRP, exosomes and growth factors — what the science actually says
Hair loss14 July 2026

Regenerative hair treatments: PRP, exosomes and growth factors — what the science actually says

The phrase 'hair regeneration' is appearing more and more in connection with treatments such as scalp PRP, exosomes, growth factors and hair mesotherapy. The idea is very appealing: biologically stimulating the follicle so that it once again produces stronger, thicker, longer-lasting hair. But we must start with a fundamental clarification: stimulating a weakened follicle is not the same as creating a new one. We currently have treatments capable of modifying the biological environment of the follicle and, in certain patients, improving parameters such as density and thickness. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the regenerative hair treatment with the largest body of clinical evidence among these options. Exosomes represent a very promising line of research, but the human evidence remains far more limited and heterogeneous. That is why, before speaking of 'follicular regeneration', we must answer a far more important question: is there still a follicle left that we can stimulate?

Read the explanation
Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: why they appear, how to treat them, and why they keep coming back
dermatologia11 July 2026

Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: why they appear, how to treat them, and why they keep coming back

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is a very common inflammatory condition that can cause dandruff, flaking, redness, and itching. Some people experience only small white flakes on their hair; others develop inflammatory plaques, greasier scales, and episodes that disappear for weeks before returning. And that tendency to recur is precisely one of its defining characteristics: seborrheic dermatitis is usually a chronic and recurrent condition. This does not mean that treatment has failed, but rather that, for many people, we need to learn how to manage flare-ups and then follow a maintenance strategy. An international consensus published in 2024 and more recent European recommendations emphasize exactly this combination: controlling Malassezia, managing inflammation, and maintaining results over the long term. But first we need to clear up something that causes a great deal of confusion: having dandruff does not mean having a dirty scalp.

Read the explanation
Freckles and ephelides: what they are, why they appear, and how they differ from moles and sunspots
Skin & spots10 July 2026

Freckles and ephelides: what they are, why they appear, and how they differ from moles and sunspots

Freckles, whose medical name is ephelides, are small pigmented spots that are very common, especially in fair-skinned individuals. They tend to appear during childhood, become more visible after sun exposure, and can fade considerably during winter. They are benign. A normal freckle is neither skin cancer nor a precancerous lesion. However, having many freckles may reflect a particular genetic phenotype and skin that is especially sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. This is why we must distinguish between the freckle itself — which is benign — and the skin characteristics of the person who has many freckles. Furthermore, not every brown spot is a freckle. Freckles, solar lentigines, and moles are different lesions, even though they may look alike to the naked eye. And some potentially significant lesions, including melanoma, can also begin by resembling a small pigmented spot.

Read the explanation
Mole checks and the ABCDE rule: how to tell whether a mole could be dangerous
Skin cancer9 July 2026

Mole checks and the ABCDE rule: how to tell whether a mole could be dangerous

Most of the moles we have on our skin are benign. Some have been with us since childhood, and others appear gradually during the first decades of life. Having moles does not mean having skin cancer. However, a mole that appears, changes, or behaves differently may be a sign that warrants a mole check. Melanoma can begin as a new lesion or develop on a pre-existing pigmented lesion, and recognising certain changes allows you to seek advice sooner. That is why it is worth learning two extremely simple tools: the ABCDE rule for melanoma and what is known as the ugly duckling sign. They are not meant to diagnose melanoma at home, but they do help you know when a lesion deserves to be examined.

Read the explanation
Eye bags and dark circles: why they appear and which treatments actually work
Aesthetic medicine8 July 2026

Eye bags and dark circles: why they appear and which treatments actually work

Eye bags and dark circles are two of the most frequent reasons for consultation in aesthetic medicine. They can make a person look tired even after a perfect night's sleep, but there is something fundamental we must understand: an eye bag and a dark circle are not the same thing. A dark circle may be caused by pigmentation, visible blood vessels, extremely thin skin, volume loss, or simply a shadow produced by the anatomy. An eye bag, on the other hand, is more often related to oedema, tissue laxity, or orbital fat protrusion. And many people have several of these mechanisms occurring simultaneously. That is why, before asking ourselves how to get rid of eye bags or what the best treatment for dark circles is, we must answer a far more important question: what is really causing that appearance under the eyes?

Read the explanation
Pityriasis versicolor: those patches that keep coming back, that can itch… and that yeast that naturally lives on our skin Video available
Skin & spots8 July 2026

Pityriasis versicolor: those patches that keep coming back, that can itch… and that yeast that naturally lives on our skin

Patches appear on the chest, on the back, on the shoulders, sometimes on the neck. They can be lighter than your skin, darker, or slightly pinkish. And in some patients, they are not only unsightly: they itch. Sometimes when it is hot, after sweating, at night, under clothing. Some people end up telling me: 'Doctor, it itches so much that I can't sleep properly.' I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain to you what pityriasis versicolor really is: why it appears, why it comes back so easily, and above all why it is sometimes necessary to look a little further when the itching is very intense.

Read the explanation
Ingrown toenail or onychocryptosis: how to treat it, when it is infected, and when it requires medical attention
dermatologia7 July 2026

Ingrown toenail or onychocryptosis: how to treat it, when it is infected, and when it requires medical attention

An ingrown toenail, also called onychocryptosis and commonly known as a 'uñero,' is one of the most frequent and painful nail problems affecting the feet. It occurs when the edge of the nail presses into or penetrates the fold of skin surrounding it, causing inflammation, pain, and, in some cases, infection. Although it most often affects the big toe, it can appear on other toes as well. Cutting nails incorrectly, wearing shoes that are too narrow, repeated trauma, the natural shape of the nail, and excessive sweating can all contribute to its development. One of the questions we receive most often is: how do you treat an ingrown toenail? The answer depends above all on its severity. Early-stage onychocryptosis can often be managed with conservative measures; when significant inflammation, granulation tissue, recurrences, or infection are present, medical treatment or a minor procedure on the nail and its matrix may be needed.

Read the explanation
Scabies or scabiosis: symptoms, transmission, and treatment. Why does the itching get worse at night?
dermatologia6 July 2026

Scabies or scabiosis: symptoms, transmission, and treatment. Why does the itching get worse at night?

Scabies, also called scabiosis, is a skin infestation caused by a microscopic mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Its most characteristic symptom is intense itching, frequently much worse at night. Small pimples, scratch-related lesions, and very fine burrows in the skin made by the mite itself may also appear. And there is a problem that explains why some families seem unable to get rid of it: treating only the person who has symptoms may not be enough. An infested person can transmit scabies even before they begin to notice any itching, which is why the coordinated treatment of household members and close contacts is a fundamental part of keeping it under control. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today we are going to understand what scabies really is, how it is transmitted, why it causes that characteristic nocturnal itching, how to recognize its symptoms, what its treatment involves, and why continuing to itch after treatment does not necessarily mean that treatment has failed.

Read the explanation
Vagus nerve stimulation: can we influence our brain and our health through the ear?
Brain & longevity5 July 2026

Vagus nerve stimulation: can we influence our brain and our health through the ear?

For many years, vagus nerve stimulation has been part of medicine through implantable devices used in certain neurological conditions. Today, a new generation of devices makes it possible to stimulate specific vagus nerve fibers non-invasively, through the skin of the ear. This technique is known as transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, or taVNS. Is it simply a new wellness trend? Not exactly. Vagal neuromodulation is currently an active field of research in neuroscience. It is being studied in areas as diverse as migraine, sleep, stress regulation, pain, attention, certain neurological and psychiatric conditions, and even the regulation of some inflammatory processes. But it is also important to distinguish what is already supported by clinical trials from what still constitutes a promising hypothesis. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today we are going to understand it.

Read the explanation
Chronic inflammation: when what happens inside your body can show up on your skin
Longevity & metabolism4 July 2026

Chronic inflammation: when what happens inside your body can show up on your skin

The skin does not live in isolation. The gut, metabolism, immune system, microbiome, and skin maintain a constant dialogue. A person comes in for persistent acne, rosacea, chronically reactive skin, inflammatory flare-ups, psoriasis, dermatitis, or simply because they feel their skin is ageing faster than expected. And very often the first question is: 'What cream should I put on?' But perhaps we should first ask ourselves another one: what is happening in the rest of the body? Because the skin is not an independent wrapper: it is an immunological organ, a metabolic organ, a barrier, a microbial ecosystem, and one of the most important interfaces between our body and the outside world. We now know that there is a complex, bidirectional communication between the gut, metabolism, immunity, inflammation, and skin — a relationship that has given rise to one of the most exciting fields of research in contemporary medicine: the gut-skin axis. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what we really know about chronic inflammation and the skin, what role the gut may play, and, above all, where the scientific evidence ends and marketing begins.

Read the explanation
Goodbye to 'polycystic ovary': it is now called PMOS, and they were never really cysts
Hormonal health3 July 2026

Goodbye to 'polycystic ovary': it is now called PMOS, and they were never really cysts

For decades, millions of women have heard the same phrase: 'You have polycystic ovaries.' And many immediately pictured ovaries filled with cysts. But there was a problem: they were not true cysts. They were primarily ovarian follicles. And the problem was not exclusively in the ovaries, either. Behind it all there could be hormonal, metabolic, ovulatory, dermatological, reproductive, and psychological disturbances. That is why, after decades of scientific debate, something historic happened in 2026: the former Polycystic Ovary Syndrome changed its official name and became PMOS, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The change was established through a broad international consensus published in The Lancet. We have not simply changed a word: we are changing the way the disease is understood. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain why this change is far more significant than it may appear.

Read the explanation
Resistant psoriasis: what if some patients actually have a different type of psoriasis?
dermatologia2 July 2026

Resistant psoriasis: what if some patients actually have a different type of psoriasis?

For years we have treated psoriasis trying to answer one question: how can we block the inflammation? Today we are beginning to ask a different question: why does that inflammation occur in this particular patient? And that difference can completely change the way we understand this disease. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to tell you about a study published in 2026 that I find particularly fascinating. Researchers have identified a rare group of patients with psoriasis in whom certain alterations in a gene called ADAR1 appear to trigger an abnormal activation of one of our body's major antiviral alarm systems: interferons. This discovery could help explain why certain patients develop particular forms of psoriasis and why some of them may respond spectacularly to treatments targeting that molecular pathway. But before we talk about ADAR1, we need to understand what psoriasis really is.

Read the explanation
Cronkhite-Canada syndrome: when spots on the skin can tell us about the intestine
dermatologia1 July 2026

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome: when spots on the skin can tell us about the intestine

Imagine a patient who begins to notice something strange. Brown spots gradually appear on their face and hands. Then they start to lose hair. Their nails become brittle, thin, deformed, or even begin to detach. And at the same time diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, or taste disturbances appear. Taken separately, each of these symptoms could have dozens of explanations. But when they appear together, there is an extremely rare disease we must know about: Cronkhite-Canada syndrome. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain a fascinating disease, because it illustrates something I repeat frequently in dermatology: the skin is not isolated from the rest of the body. Sometimes, what we see in the skin, hair, or nails is simply the visible part of something happening much more deeply.

Read the explanation
Red light and mitochondria: when light becomes a genuine signal for our cells
Longevity & metabolism1 July 2026

Red light and mitochondria: when light becomes a genuine signal for our cells

What if light could do far more than illuminate our surroundings? What if certain wavelengths were capable of penetrating our tissues and sending a direct biological signal to our cells? I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to talk to you about a field I am particularly passionate about — one I have decided to integrate progressively into my approach to metabolic health, recovery, and healthy ageing: photobiomodulation using red and near-infrared light. It is a technology that can seem very modern. And yet the biological principle on which it rests is extraordinarily natural: our cells are capable of responding to light. And at the heart of this story lies a set of tiny structures I often talk to you about: the mitochondria.

Read the explanation
Herpes simplex, genital herpes, and herpes zoster: why do they appear, why do they come back, and how are they treated?
dermatologia30 June 2026

Herpes simplex, genital herpes, and herpes zoster: why do they appear, why do they come back, and how are they treated?

There is a word we use constantly: herpes. But behind this word several different conditions can be hiding: a cold sore, genital herpes, herpes zoster. And although they all belong to the large family of herpesviruses, they are not exactly the same virus, nor do they behave in the same way. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what really happens when we have herpes, why some viruses remain in our body for life, why they can reactivate after years, and what treatments we currently have available. Because one of the most important things we need to understand is this: herpes does not disappear from the body when the lesion disappears. The virus can go dormant. And that is precisely where the whole story begins.

Read the explanation
Vaccination by massage: can you really penetrate the skin without a needle?
dermatologia29 June 2026

Vaccination by massage: can you really penetrate the skin without a needle?

One of the greatest barriers to getting vaccinated is not scientific, but emotional: the fear of needles. It is estimated that needle phobia accounts for around 10% of vaccine hesitancy — for example, regarding COVID-19 in the United Kingdom. That is why the idea of vaccinating without a jab is so appealing. A study published in 2025 in the journal Cell Reports has demonstrated something remarkable: a simple 'massage' of the skin can open hair follicles enough for large molecules — including an inactivated influenza virus — to reach the dermis and activate the immune system. In mice, this cutaneous route generated ten times more antibodies than injection. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what this study actually demonstrated, why it is fascinating, and — very importantly — why it does not yet mean that tomorrow we will be vaccinating ourselves with a cream.

Read the explanation
After a laser, peel, or aesthetic treatment: what is your skin actually doing to repair itself?
Aesthetic medicine27 June 2026

After a laser, peel, or aesthetic treatment: what is your skin actually doing to repair itself?

There is a phrase I repeat often to my patients: the treatment does not end when you walk out of the office. In some procedures, in fact, that is precisely the moment when the most important part begins: the repair. A laser, a chemical peel, microneedling, an injection, or an injectable treatment can produce, to a greater or lesser extent, an inflammatory response or a temporary alteration of the tissues. And during the hours and days that follow, your skin will attempt to restore its barrier, control inflammation, repair minor damage, reorganize its matrix, and, in some procedures, produce new collagen. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what actually happens after a dermatological or aesthetic procedure, which aftercare measures make sense, and, above all, what is normal and what is not.

Read the explanation
Stem cells and hair loss: can they really make hair grow?
Hair loss25 June 2026

Stem cells and hair loss: can they really make hair grow?

We are hearing more and more about stem cells, exosomes, growth factors, secretome, and regenerative hair medicine. And it is all frequently presented in the same way: 'This regenerates the follicle and makes hair grow back.' But the scientific reality is quite a bit more interesting. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what we really know about stem-cell-derived technologies applied to hair: which mechanisms might work, what differences exist between stem cells, exosomes, and growth factors, and, above all, where the clinical evidence stands today. Because this field has enormous potential, but it is still not accurate to speak of a 'regenerative cure for baldness.'

Read the explanation
Melatonin: far more than 'the sleep hormone'
Brain & longevity24 June 2026

Melatonin: far more than 'the sleep hormone'

When I say melatonin, what comes to mind? Probably a small tablet you take in the evening to try to sleep better. And yet, reducing melatonin to a sleep supplement means missing out on a large part of its story. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain to you why this hormone is absolutely fascinating. Because it sits at the crossroads of several essential areas of our physiology: light, our biological clock, sleep, the mitochondria, and the management of oxidative stress. But, as always, we are going to distinguish what is firmly established from what research is still in the process of discovering.

Read the explanation
Stem cell-derived growth factors: the future of skin rejuvenation?
Aesthetic medicine18 June 2026

Stem cell-derived growth factors: the future of skin rejuvenation?

In aesthetic medicine, new words are constantly appearing: stem cells, growth factors, secretome, exosomes, regenerative medicine. And very often they are all used as though they mean the same thing. They do not. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain one of the most fascinating areas of current regenerative medicine: stem cell-derived growth factors. What they are, what they actually do, why they may be interesting for the skin, how they differ from exosomes, and above all, what we know today thanks to studies conducted in human beings. Because we are looking at a fascinating technology, but also at a field where marketing is advancing far faster than science.

Read the explanation
Your cholesterol is high: do you really need to start a statin right away?
Longevity & metabolism17 June 2026

Your cholesterol is high: do you really need to start a statin right away?

You get a blood test. A few days later, you see the words: "High cholesterol." And immediately, a question arises: "Am I going to have to take a statin for the rest of my life?" I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I would like to go much further than that question. Because between two extreme positions — "cholesterol is bad, it absolutely must be lowered" and "cholesterol is natural, so it should never be treated" — medicine tells a far more interesting story. And a far more nuanced one.

Read the explanation
Why are we so drawn to sugar?
Brain & longevity11 June 2026

Why are we so drawn to sugar?

Almost all of us feel, at some point, an attraction to sweet things that is hard to explain. We tend to experience it as a modern weakness, almost as a failure of willpower. But a recent study published in the journal Science invites us to look at it differently: we may have been 'hooked' on sugar for millions of years. I am Dr. Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain what this research says about the role of sugar in the evolution of our brain and, above all, why understanding where that attraction comes from does not mean justifying the way we consume sugar today.

Read the explanation
The sea, the sun and our brain: what does science actually say?
Brain & longevity10 June 2026

The sea, the sun and our brain: what does science actually say?

What if two elements as ancient as food from the sea and light had contributed, in very different ways, to the story of our brain? I am Dr Florian Vallecillo and today I want to talk to you about an absolutely fascinating subject, because it takes us to the heart of human evolution, nutrition, our neurons and even our mitochondria. But I also want to use this subject to do something important: to distinguish what we know from what we still only suppose. Because in science, a fascinating hypothesis is not necessarily a proven truth. And you will see that reality is already extraordinary enough.

Read the explanation
Vagal discomfort: why can one suddenly feel unwell, sweat, and lose consciousness during a medical procedure?
Brain & longevity3 June 2026

Vagal discomfort: why can one suddenly feel unwell, sweat, and lose consciousness during a medical procedure?

You are at the doctor's office. Everything is going normally. An injection, a blood draw, an aesthetic treatment, or simply the thought of a needle… And suddenly: you feel hot, you are sweating, you turn pale, you feel nauseous, your vision begins to blur, you can hear less of what is happening around you, and you have the feeling that you are about to fall. Sometimes you even genuinely lose consciousness for a few seconds. The scene can be very alarming. Yet in many situations, particularly during a medical procedure, this is something very specific: a vagal episode, or more precisely a vasovagal syncope when there is a genuine loss of consciousness. I am Dr Florian Vallecillo, and today I want to explain this phenomenon to you, because I have myself encountered it on several occasions during aesthetic medicine procedures, and above all because there is an enormous amount of confusion surrounding vagal episodes.

Read the explanation
Testosterone in women: what it actually does, where caution lies, and what is pure marketing
Hormonal health27 May 2026

Testosterone in women: what it actually does, where caution lies, and what is pure marketing

"Doctor, wouldn't a little testosterone do me good — more energy, more muscle, less fatigue?" More and more women are asking me this. And the question deserves an honest answer, without trying to sell you anything. Because yes, testosterone is also a female hormone; yes, it has evidence-based uses; but there is also a territory of caution and exaggerated promises that I want to warn you about. I am Dr. Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera, and today I want to separate what we know from what is being sold. Because evidence-based medicine is one thing, and the marketing of 'hormonal anti-ageing' is quite another.

Read the explanation
Testosterone and fertility: the paradox that surprises almost all my patients
Hormonal health20 May 2026

Testosterone and fertility: the paradox that surprises almost all my patients

"How can testosterone lower my fertility if it's precisely the male hormone?" It's one of the reactions I hear most often in my practice. And it's a logical question. But the answer is surprising: taking testosterone from the outside can significantly suppress sperm production. Sometimes, without anyone having warned you. I am Dr. Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera, and today I want to explain this to you calmly, because if you are thinking about having children — now or someday — this conversation needs to happen before starting any treatment.

Read the explanation
«I think my testosterone is low»: why symptoms alone are not enough
Hormonal health13 May 2026

«I think my testosterone is low»: why symptoms alone are not enough

«Doctor, I think my testosterone is low». More and more men are telling me this. They are tired, low on energy, with less desire, in a worse mood… and they have read that all of that fits. And they are right about something important: those symptoms are real and deserve to be taken seriously. But I also have to tell you something you may not be expecting: feeling that way is not the same as having low testosterone. I am Doctor Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera and today I want to explain to you why, in this context, doing things properly protects your health. And why, very often, the problem is not where it seems.

Read the explanation
Menopause hormone therapy: neither the poison you were told about nor the elixir of eternal youth
Hormonal health6 May 2026

Menopause hormone therapy: neither the poison you were told about nor the elixir of eternal youth

Few things cause as much fear in my practice as these two words: hormone therapy. Many women rule it out straight away because of something they heard years ago. Others, on the other hand, expect miracles from it that it simply cannot deliver. And caught in the middle of all that noise are women with hot flushes that keep them from sleeping, not even knowing whether they have the right to consider a treatment that might actually help them. I am Dr Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera, and today I want to explain to you, calmly and without drama, what the evidence currently says: what it is genuinely useful for, what risks it carries, and, above all, for whom it may make sense. Because this is not a one-size-fits-all 'yes or no': it is your decision — informed and shared.

Read the explanation
Perimenopause: 'I don't recognize myself.' What is happening to you and when to seek advice
Hormonal health29 April 2026

Perimenopause: 'I don't recognize myself.' What is happening to you and when to seek advice

You're sleeping worse. Your body has changed. You're more irritable, more on edge, and there are days when you feel like you don't recognize yourself. And then you think: 'But I'm still too young for menopause.' That is one of the phrases I hear most often in my practice. And it almost always comes with a mix of bewilderment and a certain sense of guilt, as if you were doing something wrong. I am Dr. Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera, and today I want to talk to you about perimenopause: that transitional stage that begins long before the last period and that remains, for many women, largely unknown. Not to frighten you, nor to turn something natural into an illness, but so that you understand what is happening to you, what is to be expected, and at what point it is worth seeking help.

Read the explanation
You wake up as if you hadn't slept… but your blood work 'is fine'
Brain & longevity22 April 2026

You wake up as if you hadn't slept… but your blood work 'is fine'

You sleep seven hours. Eight. Sometimes even nine. And yet you wake up tired. As if you hadn't rested at all. Getting started in the morning feels like a struggle. You notice you have less energy. Your concentration isn't what it was. By mid-afternoon you're exhausted. And when you get blood work done, they tell you: 'Everything is normal.' I am Dr. Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera, and today I want to talk to you about something I see very frequently in my practice: a basic blood panel can come back normal and still not explain why you feel unwell. This does not necessarily mean there is a hidden illness. Nor does it mean that fifty parameters need to be requested for everyone. It simply means that when a person presents with persistent fatigue, we must interpret the symptoms within their context and, if necessary, look a little further. Because 'normal' on a blood test does not always mean we have already found the explanation for how you feel.

Read the explanation
You're taking iron but your ferritin stays low? What if the problem is coming from your stomach?
Longevity & metabolism15 April 2026

You're taking iron but your ferritin stays low? What if the problem is coming from your stomach?

You were told you were iron-deficient. You started taking iron tablets. A few weeks or months later, you had another blood test done. And your ferritin is still low. Or it goes up a little… then drops back down. So the iron dose gets increased. The formulation gets changed. Sometimes you're told you probably aren't eating enough meat. But there is one question that is sometimes forgotten: why are you iron-deficient in the first place? I am Dr Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera, and today I want to talk to you about a cause that is still not widely enough known to the general public: Helicobacter pylori. This small bacterium that lives in the stomach can, in some people, contribute to iron deficiency, or even to true iron-deficiency anaemia. And what is particularly interesting is that this can sometimes happen without significant stomach pain and without any dramatic digestive symptoms.

Read the explanation
I have had a heart attack or a stroke and my cholesterol was normal. How is that possible?
Longevity & metabolism8 April 2026

I have had a heart attack or a stroke and my cholesterol was normal. How is that possible?

This is a question I hear frequently: 'Doctor, if my cholesterol was normal, how could I have had a heart attack?'. And it is an excellent question, because it reminds us of something fundamental: cardiovascular risk is far more complex than a single cholesterol number on a blood test. You can have an apparently normal total cholesterol — and even an LDL that has never raised any particular concern — and still suffer a cardiovascular event.

Read the explanation
Sunscreen has a paradox: it protects your skin, but it should not lead you to spend more time in the sun
Skin & spots1 April 2026

Sunscreen has a paradox: it protects your skin, but it should not lead you to spend more time in the sun

There is an issue about sunscreens that we rarely talk about, and I think it is important to explain. Sunscreen is an essential tool for preventing damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. But it can create a false sense of security if we think that, by wearing SPF 50, we can spend hours under the sun. And this is where a very interesting paradox emerges.

Read the explanation
I have high cholesterol: is it really dangerous, or is it true that people with high cholesterol live longer? Video available
Longevity & metabolism25 March 2026

I have high cholesterol: is it really dangerous, or is it true that people with high cholesterol live longer?

You have probably heard both versions. "Doctor, my cholesterol is high. Is it serious?" And, at the other extreme: "But I've read that older people with high cholesterol live longer, so perhaps it's even beneficial." Both statements, framed this way, are far too simplistic. Today I want to explain why.

Read the explanation
Coffee and longevity: how to drink it to reap its benefits without harming your sleep
Brain & longevity18 March 2026

Coffee and longevity: how to drink it to reap its benefits without harming your sleep

Do you drink coffee every day and wonder whether it is really good for your health? The answer will probably please you: in the majority of healthy adults, moderate coffee consumption can fit perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. And we are not talking only about caffeine: coffee contains hundreds of bioactive compounds and is an important source of polyphenols in many people's diets.

Read the explanation
Can a genetic methylation study tell us which vitamins we need?
Longevity & metabolism11 March 2026

Can a genetic methylation study tell us which vitamins we need?

Genetic studies related to methylation are increasingly talked about, especially regarding genes such as MTHFR, COMT, MTR, and MTRR. Are they interesting? Yes. Can they provide useful information? Also yes. But it is important to understand exactly what they tell us and what they do not tell us, because commercial claims are being made around methylation that go considerably beyond what the scientific evidence currently allows us to affirm.

Read the explanation
Five markers that can alert us to diabetes risk before glucose levels are elevated
Longevity & metabolism4 March 2026

Five markers that can alert us to diabetes risk before glucose levels are elevated

What if a normal fasting glucose did not necessarily mean that everything was fine? Type 2 diabetes does not appear overnight: in many people there is a prior period, which can last years, during which the body needs to produce increasingly more insulin to keep glucose within apparently normal values. Today I want to explain five parameters that I use to gain a much broader view of my patients' metabolic health.

Read the explanation
Eat more to lose weight? The paradox of 'high energy flux'
Longevity & metabolism25 February 2026

Eat more to lose weight? The paradox of 'high energy flux'

What if, to lose fat, you sometimes needed to start by eating more? It sounds completely counterintuitive. For decades, when someone wants to lose weight, the first instinct is often the same: eat less. Then even less. Today, I want to explain a concept I use in my approach to nutrition and body composition: high energy flux.

Read the explanation
"I exercise, so why am I not losing weight?"
Longevity & metabolism18 February 2026

"I exercise, so why am I not losing weight?"

I'll start with a statement that may come as a surprise: exercising does not in any way guarantee that you will lose weight. This is something I regularly observe in my consultations. Today, I'm going to explain to you why exercising and losing fat are two different things.

Read the explanation
Can we preserve our cells' energy through nutrition? The fascinating case of phosphatidylcholine
Longevity & metabolism11 February 2026

Can we preserve our cells' energy through nutrition? The fascinating case of phosphatidylcholine

What if part of our cellular ageing were linked to the gradual modification of the lipids that make up cell membranes? What if some of these changes could, at least experimentally, be partially corrected through nutrition? Today, I want to tell you about a study I find particularly interesting, published in April 2026 in Nature Communications by a team including researchers from the Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute, in Germany.

Read the explanation
Overweight? Don't just exercise more: spread it out better
Longevity & metabolism4 February 2026

Overweight? Don't just exercise more: spread it out better

"I don't have time to exercise three times a week. So I do it all at the weekend. In the end, the number of minutes is the same, isn't it?" Not necessarily. Today, I want to talk to you about a subject that perfectly illustrates an essential idea in preventive medicine: when it comes to our health, the amount of exercise matters, but the way we distribute it can also matter.

Read the explanation
"I'm gaining weight because my metabolism slows down with age." Well… not necessarily!
Longevity & metabolism28 January 2026

"I'm gaining weight because my metabolism slows down with age." Well… not necessarily!

It's a phrase I hear very often in consultations: "Doctor, I'm putting on weight because my metabolism has slowed down with age." And yet, things are far more interesting than that. Today, I want to explain to you why age, in and of itself, is probably not the great culprit we imagine it to be.

Read the explanation
The children's menu we should stop normalizing
Longevity & metabolism21 January 2026

The children's menu we should stop normalizing

There is something that really catches my attention when I go to a restaurant: the children's menu. Far too often we find exactly the same thing: chicken nuggets, French fries, very plain pasta, a soft drink, and to finish, an ice cream. And we have normalized it to such an extent that it even seems logical to think that this is 'food for children'.

Read the explanation
CallWhatsAppBook

We use cookies to improve your experience and for analytics.

+