Anne H Dacko, MD

Stop baths and showers from worsening dry skin. When the humidity drops or your skin feels dry, be sure to:
* Close the bathroom door.
* Use warm rather than hot water.
* Limit your time in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes.
* Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
* Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, avoid using so much that you see a thick lather.
* Blot your skin gently dry with a towel.
* Slather on the moisturizer immediately after drying your skin.

How you wash your face can make a difference in your appearance. Follow these tips from dermatologists to help you keep your face looking healthy.
1. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol.

2. Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything other than your fingertips can irritate your skin.

3. Resist the temptation to scrub your skin because scrubbing irritates the skin.

4. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

5. Apply moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy. Be gentle when applying any cream around your eyes so you do not pull too hard on this delicate skin.

6. Limit washing to twice a day and after sweating. Wash your face once in the morning and once at night, as well as after sweating heavily. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, irritates the skin. Wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.

As temperatures dip, check your products for these skin-saving ingredients
Cold air outside, hot air inside, and dry air everywhere can disrupt the skin’s barrier in the winter. And that can mean dry, itchy skin for everyone, but especially for those who deal with conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Here are some products that can help your skin look and feel its best throughout the colder months. Some of the ingredients are tried-and-true skin superstars, while others are relatively new additions to the winter skin care arsenal.
Facial cleanser
"You want to make sure your cleanser puts moisture into the skin, rather than taking it out," says Joyce Davis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.
Look for: Products that specifically say "gentle" and "moisturizing" on the label. Avoid products that contain alcohol, as these can dry your skin.

LACA Dermatology provides a wide range of services and treatments for your skincare needs. Book your appointment today at our Sherman Oaks or Silverlake locations. Open Saturdays at our Sherman Oaks location.

Unique in appearance and structure, African American hair is especially fragile and prone to injury and damage. More than half of African American women will cite thinning hair or hair loss as their top hair concern. Fortunately, there is a lot African Americans can do to help minimize damage and keep their hair beautiful.
To help African Americans keep their hair healthy, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
1. Wash hair once a week or every other week. This will help prevent build-up of hair care products, which can be drying to the hair.

2. Use conditioner. Use conditioner every time you wash your hair. Be sure to coat the ends of the hair with conditioner, as the ends are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair.

3. Use a hot oil treatment twice a month. This adds additional moisture and elasticity to your hair.

4. Use a heat protecting product before styling. Adding this to wet hair before styling will help minimize heat damage.

5. Use caution with relaxers. To minimize hair damage, always go to a professional hair stylist to ensure that the relaxer is applied safely. Touch-ups should only be done every two to three months and only to newly grown hair. Never apply relaxer to hair that has already been relaxed.

6. Use ceramic combs or irons to press hair. If you would like to press or thermally straighten your hair, use a ceramic comb or iron and only do so once a week. Use a straightening device with a dial to ensure the device is not too hot. Use the lowest possible temperature setting that gives you the style you want. A higher temperature may be necessary for thicker, coarser hair.

7. Make sure braids, cornrows or weaves are not too tight. If it hurts while your hair is being styled, ask the stylist to stop and redo it. Pain equals damage.


Use only non-comedogenic skin care products and makeup
The word “non-comedogenic” means the product won’t clog your pores. When pores clog, they expand, which can make your pores look more noticeable.
To avoid clogged pores, look for one of the following terms on everything you apply to your face:
* Non-comedogenic

* Oil free

* Won’t clog pores

If you don’t see one of these terms, don’t use the product.

Does it seem like your skin is almost always itchy, itchy, itchy? That you scratch like crazy and it still itches?
A bunch of things can make your skin itch. Sometimes the itchiness happens once and goes away. But if your skin is so itchy it drives you nuts, and it happens a lot, talk to your parents. It might be something called eczema. Another name for it is dermatitis. These are big words for itchy skin.
Lots of kids have eczema. But it can look different on different kids. You might have:
* Red bumps that are kind of scaly and feel rough and dry.

* Oozing skin.

* Itchy skin but you can't see anything on it at all.


Nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important. Here are dermatologists’ tips for keeping your nails healthy:

1. Keep nails clean and dry.

2. Cut nails straight across. Use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength.

3. Keep nails shaped and free of snags by filing with an emery board.

4. Do not bite fingernails or remove the cuticle. Doing so can damage the nail.

5. Do not use your nails as a tool, such as opening pop cans.

6. Trim toenails regularly. Keeping them short will minimize the risk of trauma and injury.

7. When toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak your feet in warm salt water. Mix one teaspoon of salt per pint of water and soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

8. Avoid “digging out” ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected and sore. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, see a dermatologist for treatment.

9. Wear shoes that fit properly. Also alternate which pair of shoes you wear each day.

10. Wear flip flops at the pool and in public showers. This reduces the risk of infections caused by a fungus that can get in your toenails.


Although ear piercings are more common and can be less risky than other body piercings, they can still cause complications if not handled safely. For anyone thinking about getting their ears pierced, dermatologists urge people to follow these steps to avoid infection:
1. Always wash your hands before touching newly pierced ears.

2. Leave the earrings in your ears for six weeks or more, even at night. Removing the starter earrings too early may cause the piercings to close.

3. Regularly wash your ears with soap and water. Carefully do this at least once a day to avoid infection.

4. Twist the earrings a few times daily. This will help keep the pierced holes open.

5. Put rubbing alcohol on your ears. Using a cotton ball or pad dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean the skin around the piercings twice a day to keep away germs and prevent scabbing. You may also apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly around the opening.


Yes, adults get acne. Some adults continue to get acne well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. It is even possible to get acne for the first time as an adult. Dermatologists call this “adult-onset acne.” It is most common among women going through menopause.
Women tend to get adult acne more often than men do. If you’re getting acne as an adult, it is likely due to one or more of the following reasons.
Fluctuating hormone levels: An imbalance can lead to breakouts.
Women often experience fluctuating hormones:
* Around their periods 

* During pregnancy, peri-menopause, and menopause

* After discontinuing (or starting) birth control pills 

Stress: Researchers have found a relationship between stress and acne flare-ups. In response to stress, our bodies produce more androgens (a type of hormone). These hormones stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which can lead to acne. This explains why acne can be an ongoing problem when we find ourselves under constant stress.
Family history: Does a close blood relative, such as a parent, brother, or sister have acne? Findings from research studies suggest that some people may have a genetic predisposition for acne. People who have this predisposition be more likely to get adult acne.
Hair and skin care products: If you have adult acne, you should read the labels on your skin care and hair care products. Make sure that you see one of the following terms on every container:
* Non-comedogenic 

* Non-acnegenic

* Oil-free

* Won’t clog pores

You want to make sure your moisturizer, cleanser, sunscreen, and all other products contain one of these terms. These products are least likely to cause acne.
Medication side effect: Acne is a side effect of some medicines. If you suspect that a medicine is triggering your acne or making it worse, continue taking the medicine, but talk with the doctor who prescribed it. Ask if acne is a possible side effect. If acne is a possible side effect, ask if you can take a different medicine. If you cannot take another medicine, you may want to see a dermatologist who can help you control the acne.
Undiagnosed medical condition: Sometimes, acne is a sign of an underlying medical condition. Once the medical condition is diagnosed and treated, the acne often clears.

To help prevent skin infections at the gym, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
1. Wear loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes. This will help keep your skin dry and prevent germs from growing. Remember to wash your gym clothes after wearing them.

2. Always wear shoes, especially around pools, and in locker rooms and showers. Keep a pair of shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals in your gym bag. Never walk barefoot at a public gym.

3. Keep any cuts clean and covered. Avoid using saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs until your wound is healed.

4. Disinfect equipment before and after using it. Clean equipment with disinfectant wipes or spray. For additional protection, consider adding a barrier, such as a towel, between your skin and shared surfaces, like workout benches and bicycle seats. When it’s possible to provide your own equipment, such as a yoga mat, bring it from home rather than using the gym’s.

5. Wash or sanitize your hands immediately after working out.

6. Shower as soon as possible. After showering, put on clean clothes, including clean socks and underwear. Never share personal care items, including towels and razors.

7. Without treatment, skin infections can worsen. Keep an eye on your skin, and if you notice signs of an infection, such as increased pain or swelling, pus or persistent redness, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.


LACA Dermatology offers RF (Radio-frequency) and Microneedling services. Call to book your appointment. 818-789-6296

When it comes to micro-needling, not all treatments are created equal. At-home devices won’t provide the same effects as an in-office treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.

“Microneedling that delivers significant, long-lasting results is a medical treatment,” says board-certified dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, FAAD, a professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center. “That means it should be performed by a trained, experienced physician, like a board-certified dermatologist, in a medical office.”

Microneedling involves puncturing the skin with thin needles to create tiny wounds, triggering the skin’s repair mechanisms and stimulating collagen production. According to Dr. Alster, this treatment can improve the appearance of large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks.

To achieve these results, Dr. Alster says, doctors use sterile needles that puncture deep enough to cause bleeding. On the other hand, she says, roller devices used for microneedling in the home or at nonmedical spas have shorter, duller needles. These devices are not meant to pe*****te the skin, she says, so while they may stimulate blood flow to create a temporary brightening effect, they can’t deliver the same results as a microneedling treatment from a doctor.

The procedure varies with the filler your dermatologist will use, the part of the body to be treated, and your medical history. Here are some general guidelines about what you can expect:
* Most filler treatments take between 15 and 30 minutes and require one office visit.

* Before getting the injections, you may need ice, an anesthetic applied to the skin, or a nerve block (an injection). This varies with the filler and area to be treated. Hands generally do not need anesthesia; lips often require a nerve block. 

* Your dermatologist will inject the filler into the area, often giving you several injections to produce the best results. 

* You may feel a stinging or burning sensation as the filler is injected. 

* A few fillers require allergy testing to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. 

* If you need allergy testing, you must wait for the results from the allergy test before you can get the filler. 

* If your own fat will be used as a filler, the entire treatment can often be completed in one day. You will first have a procedure called tumescent liposuction, which safely removes a small amount of fat from another area of your body. The fat removed from your body is then processed so that it can be injected into the area that needs more fullness.
*
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When you look in the mirror, do you see deep frown lines? These lines bother many people.

To diminish these lines, many choose botulinum toxin therapy. Patients like that they can return to most everyday activities immediately after the procedure. They like that most people see results within 3 to 7 days.

A dermatologist can perform the treatment during a single office visit. The improvements last about 3 to 4 months — and sometimes longer.

After treatment: Relaxing certain facial muscles softened this woman's frown lines.

Uses: Dermatologists use botulinum toxin therapy to diminish signs of aging and to treat a medical condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Botulinum toxin therapy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following dermatologic conditions:
-Frown lines between the eyebrows.
-Crow's feet.

-Excessive sweating in the underarms when treatment applied to the skin does not work well enough.


How you wash your hair and the products you use can go a long way toward maintaining smooth, shiny hair. Follow these simple tips from dermatologists to maintain healthy hair.
1. Wash oily hair more frequently. How often you wash your hair should be based on how much oil your scalp produces.
* If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it as often as once a day.
* If you have chemically treated hair, your hair may be drier, so you may want to wash it less frequently.
* As you get older, your scalp makes less oil, so you may not need to shampoo as often. But if you see flakes in your hair, you may not be shampooing enough. This can lead to dandruff and other scalp diseases.

2. Concentrate shampoo on the scalp. When washing your hair, concentrate on cleaning primarily the scalp, rather than washing the entire length of hair. Washing only your hair can create flyaway hair that is dull and coarse.

3. Use conditioner after every shampoo unless you use a “2-in-1” shampoo, which cleans and conditions hair. Using a conditioner can significantly improve the look of damaged or weathered hair by increasing shine, decreasing static electricity, improving strength and offering some protection from harmful UV rays.

4. Concentrate conditioner on the tips of the hair. Because conditioners can make fine hair look limp, they only should be used on the tips of the hair and not on the scalp or length of the hair.

5. Choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for your hair type. For example, if you color your hair, use a shampoo designed for color-treated hair. If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, consider a “2-in-1” shampoo. Regardless of cost, many shampoo and conditioner brands provide the same benefits.

6. Protect hair when swimming. Protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine by wetting and conditioning your hair before swimming. Wear a tight-fitting swim cap and use a specially formulated swimmers shampoo and deep conditioner after swimming to replace lost moisture.


Nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important. Here are dermatologists’ tips for keeping your nails healthy:
1. Keep nails clean and dry.

2. Cut nails straight across. Use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength.

3. Keep nails shaped and free of snags by filing with an emery board.

4. Do not bite fingernails or remove the cuticle. Doing so can damage the nail.

5. Do not use your nails as a tool, such as opening pop cans.

6. Trim toenails regularly. Keeping them short will minimize the risk of trauma and injury.

7. When toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak your feet in warm salt water. Mix one teaspoon of salt per pint of water and soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

8. Avoid “digging out” ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected and sore. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, see a dermatologist for treatment.

9. Wear shoes that fit properly. Also alternate which pair of shoes you wear each day.

10. Wear flip flops at the pool and in public showers. This reduces the risk of infections caused by a fungus that can get in your toenails.

Many things can turn our faces red, including sunburn, acne, and hot flashes. Here are 10 less obvious reasons for seeing a red face when you look in the mirror.
1. Seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes a red rash, which often appears on the face. The rash may cause the skin to look oily. The skin can also appear dry and scaly.

2. Rosacea. This skin condition often begins with a tendency to flush or blush easily. If the condition progresses, you many notice that the redness on your face lasts longer — or never fades.

3. Skin irritation or allergic reaction. A condition called contact dermatitis develops when something that touches your skin either:
* Irritates it
* Causes an allergic reactio

4. Reaction to a medication. Some medications can cause a sunburn-like reaction when you spend time outdoors during the day. Using a medication, such as a hydrocortisone (a steroid) cream, for longer than directed can also cause a skin reaction.

5. Atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, can cause a rash that appears suddenly. Infants often develop this itchy rash on their cheeks. Regardless of where the rash appears, the skin with the rash tends to feel extremely dry, scaly, and itchy.

6. Psoriasis. Psoriasis (suh-rye-ah-sis) is a condition that causes the body to make new skin cells in days rather than weeks. As these cells pile up on the surface of the skin, you may see raised, scaly patches.

7. Spider veins. If you don’t protect your skin from the sun, the harmful rays can damage your skin. Over the years, this damage accumulates. Years later, some people who have sun-damaged skin see spider veins on their face.

8. Shingles. Shingles causes a painful, blistering rash, which can appear anywhere on your skin, including your face.

9. Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease. This means that your body’s own immune system mistakes part of your own body as something foreign and attacks that part of the body. When someone has lupus, the immune system can attack different organs. Sometimes, this causes redness and swelling on the skin.
Some people who have lupus develop a rash on their face that’s shaped like a butterfly. You may also see other types of redness and swelling on your face.

10. Rare cancer. Sézary syndrome is a type of T-cell cutaneous lymphoma (CTCL), which is a rare cancer. CTCL begins in a type of white blood cell called the T-lymphocyte (T-cell). Signs of this cancer begin on the skin because most T-cells are found in the skin.



Do you wish that you could simply peel signs of aging from your skin? Dermatologists use chemical peels to do just this. A chemical peel can diminish many signs of aging on the face as well as the hands, neck, and chest.
Chemical peels also treat some skin conditions. Dermatologists use chemical peels to treat some types of acne and conditions that discolor the skin.
Whether you receive a chemical peel to diminish signs of aging or treat a skin condition, you can see: Fewer lines and wrinkles, More even skin color, Brighter complexion, Smoother skin

To prevent skin damage while exfoliating, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
1. Consider the skin care products you already use. Some medications and even over-the-counter products may cause your skin to be more sensitive or peel, such as prescription retinoid creams or products containing retinol or benzoyl peroxide. Exfoliating while using these products may worsen dry skin or even cause acne breakouts.

2. Select an exfoliation method that suits your skin type. Those with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may prefer just a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator, as mechanical exfoliation may be too irritating for this skin type. Those with oily, thicker skin may want to use stronger chemical treatments or mechanical exfoliation. However, avoid strong chemical or mechanical exfoliation if you have a darker skin tone or notice dark spots on your skin after burns, bug bites or acne breakouts. For some people, especially those with darker skin tones, more aggressive forms of exfoliation may result in dark spots on the skin.

3. Be gentle to your skin. If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

4. Follow with moisturizer. Exfoliating can be drying to the skin. Apply moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

5. Find the right schedule for you. How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and exfoliation method. Generally, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this could lead to skin that is red and irritated.


Seeing a board-certified dermatologist is the safest way to find out what skin tightening can do for you. With so many skin-tightening options available, you want to see an expert who is familiar with the different treatments and can determine the best option for your concerns.

Clogged pores or an oily complexion can make pores look larger. Cleansing twice daily can unclog pores, prevent clogged pores, and reduce oiliness. When cleansing your face, you’ll want to:
1. Use warm water. Hot water can irritate your skin, causing pores to look larger.

2. Gently wash your face. Scrubbing can irritate your skin, causing inflammation. When skin is inflamed, pores tend to be more noticeable.

3. Find a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser. Again, you want to do everything you can to stop irritating your skin and stop clogging your pores.



To help control oily skin, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
DO wash your face every morning, evening, and after exercise. While washing, resist the temptation to scrub your skin, even to remove makeup. Scrubbing irritates your skin, which can make it look worse.

DO choose skin care products that are labeled “oil free” and “noncomedogenic.” This means that products that have these labels — including cleansers, moisturizers and makeup — won’t clog your pores or cause acne.

DO use a gentle, foaming face wash. Many people believe that they need to use a strong face wash for oily skin in order to dry out their skin. However, using a face wash that is too harsh can irritate your skin and trigger increased oil production. Instead, look for a mild, gentle face wash.

DON’T use oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers. These can irritate your skin.

DO apply moisturizer daily. Although you have oily skin, it is still important to apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. To save time and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, look for a moisturizer that also contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

DO wear sunscreen outdoors. Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. To prevent acne breakouts, look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and do not use sunscreens that contain fragrance or oils.

DO choose oil-free, water-based makeup.

DON’T sleep in your makeup. Always remove all makeup before going to sleep.

DO use blotting papers throughout the day. Gently press the paper against your face and leave it on for a few seconds to absorb the oil. Don’t rub the paper on your face, as this will spread the oil to other areas.

DON’T touch your face throughout the day. Although it’s tempting to touch your face, doing so can spread dirt, oil and bacteria from your hands to your face. Only touch your face when you’re cleansing, moisturizing or applying sunscreen or makeup, and make sure your hands are clean first.


When you grow a beard, your beard hairs trap oil from your skin, dead skin cells, and bacteria next to your skin. Without the right skin care, these can clog your pores and cause acne.
To clear the breakouts beneath your beard, dermatologists recommend the following daily skin care:
1. Keep your hands off your face. When you touch your beard, you spread the dirt and germs from your hands to your facial skin. This can lead to breakouts.

2. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle facial cleanser that contains acne-fighting salicylic acid or glycolic acid. You want to use this facial cleanser because soaps and shampoos can irritate your skin. When you irritate your skin, acne often worsens.
Rinse away the cleanser really well by splashing lukewarm water on your face. Using a washcloth can also irritate your skin, causing acne to flare.

3. Use a clean towel to gently blot your skin dry. Dirt or germs on a dirty towel can lead to more breakouts.

4. Apply an acne treatment that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or a retinoid to your face, not just the breakouts. To prevent new blemishes, gently spread a thin layer of the acne medication evenly over your acne-prone skin.

5. Groom your beard, using a small amount of non-comedogenic beard conditioner (but no beard oil). Without this step, the skin beneath your beard can become dry and itchy. When your skin becomes too dry, your body makes more oil. That can lead to new breakouts.

How you wash your hair and the products you use can go a long way toward maintaining smooth, shiny hair. Follow these simple tips from dermatologists to maintain healthy hair.

1. Wash oily hair more frequently. How often you wash your hair should be based on how much oil your scalp produces.
If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it as often as once a day.
If you have chemically treated hair, your hair may be drier, so you may want to wash it less frequently.

As you get older, your scalp makes less oil, so you may not need to shampoo as often. But if you see flakes in your hair, you may not be shampooing enough. This can lead to dandruff and other scalp diseases.

2. Concentrate shampoo on the scalp. When washing your hair, concentrate on cleaning primarily the scalp, rather than washing the entire length of hair. Washing only your hair can create flyaway hair that is dull and coarse.


3. Use conditioner after every shampoo unless you use a “2-in-1” shampoo, which cleans and conditions hair. Using a conditioner can significantly improve the look of damaged or weathered hair by increasing shine, decreasing static electricity, improving strength and offering some protection from harmful UV rays.


4. Concentrate conditioner on the tips of the hair. Because conditioners can make fine hair look limp, they only should be used on the tips of the hair and not on the scalp or length of the hair.


5. Choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for your hair type. For example, if you color your hair, use a shampoo designed for color-treated hair. If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, consider a “2-in-1” shampoo. Regardless of cost, many shampoo and conditioner brands provide the same benefits.


6. Protect hair when swimming. Protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine by wetting and conditioning your hair before swimming. Wear a tight-fitting swim cap and use a specially formulated swimmers shampoo and deep conditioner after swimming to replace lost moisture.