Billings TrailNet is fortunate to be supported by community-minded businesses who care deeply about the well-being of outdoor enthusiasts. One of those businesses is Billings Dermatology & Aesthetics, a clinic that blends traditional dermatology with the rejuvenating benefits of a medical spa. Led by Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Tanya Riddle, the clinic provides comprehensive care ranging from treatment of eczema, acne, psoriasis, and skin infections to medically proven cosmetic services such as laser resurfacing, Botox®, dermal fillers, and more.

We recently sat down with Michelle Qualls, the Practice Manager from Billings Dermatology & Aesthetics, to talk about their passion for trails, their favorite Ales for Trails moments, and their ongoing efforts to promote skin health in the community.

A Love for Trails—and Ales for Trails

Michelle shared that her connection to Billings TrailNet started through friends who have attended Ales for Trails for years. Now, their staff joins in the fun, too.
“We’ve always loved supporting Billings TrailNet,” she said. “Ales for Trails is our favorite—great music, fun activities, and the Repeat Offenders are always a highlight.”

This past year, the folks at Bearded Viking Mead Co. grabbed her attention. “They were on a mission to win Best in Show,” she laughed. “It made the whole experience even more fun to cheer them on.”

Outside of the event, the team at Billings Dermatology deeply appreciates the role trails play in our community. Michelle said she most enjoys the trails near Riverfront Park like the Jim Dutcher Trail and often goes to Norm’s.  “Trails help create a fitter, healthier community,” Michelle said. “They encourage people to get active—and that aligns perfectly with what we promote in our clinic.”

Protecting Your Skin While Enjoying the Outdoors

As champions of skin health, Billings Dermatology & Aesthetics provides expert advice for staying safe in the sun while enjoying Billings’ trails. Michelle shared simple, evidence-based tips:

• Wear sunscreen every day: UV rays penetrate through car and house windows.
• Use SPF 30+ (as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology), and reapply every 80 minutes, or every hour if you’re very active.
• Wear physical barriers if you can: these are more protective than chemical sunscreens and help keep skin cool.  Examples are SPF clothing and wide-brimmed hats
• Avoid the sun during peak hours.  One blistering sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma!
• Don’t ignore suspicious spots—look for the ABCDEs of melanoma (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving)

Improving Access to Dermatology Care

Beyond their clinic, Billings Dermatology & Aesthetics provides outreach dermatology services across the region. They host monthly clinics in rural communities and participate in larger outreach efforts like The Sun Bus, a national nonprofit that travels the country offering free skin cancer screenings.

This year, two of their providers—Melanie Lehman, PA-C and Kynzie Oliver, PA-C—joined The Sun Bus to serve patients in Sidney and Baker, offering screenings to underserved communities.

During May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the clinic also provides free skin checks for new patients, helping people catch concerns early. 

Why Their Support Matters

We are grateful for businesses like Billings Dermatology & Aesthetics who support Billings TrailNet not only through corporate membership, but also by promoting health, prevention, and awareness for our trail-using community. Their blend of compassionate care, community outreach, and love for outdoor recreation makes them a natural partner in building a healthier Billings.

To learn more about Billings Dermatology & Aesthetics or schedule a visit, you can find them at 2294 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102, or at one of their outreach clinic locations across the region. Click here to contact them!