Summer is the time to shed those winter coats and enjoy the outdoors! With all that extra exposure, it's time to pay closer attention to skin health, too.

The skin care professionals at Heibel Dermatology in Lincoln, NE, have a few great tips for hot summer skin care:

• Wear Sunscreen: Believe it or not, you can get burnt even when it's cloudy, and it doesn’t take long. Always re-apply sunscreen after swimming or exertion. Consider wearing lip balm that has an SPF, as lips burn, too. Lighter formulas are available for your face, as well. You can even buy a special sunscreen for your scalp, an oft-ignored but sun-sensitive area. Better yet, wear a hat.
• Finish Off Your Shower With A Cool Down: This is an easy one if the weather is hot enough! In addition to cooling you off, cool water closes your pores, keeping them from absorbing all the extra dirt and dust your skin is exposed to in the warmer months. It's also a good way to combat dry skin.
• Wear Makeup With an SPF: Wearing a foundation with an SPF rating will keep your face protected, and you won’t have to re-apply sunscreen underneath every touch-up.
• Protect Against Insects: Beaches are a great place to hang out in the summer, but tourists won’t be the only things that swarm there! Bring bug spray just in case, and if you get bitten, don't scratch. Scratching just makes the itch worse. Instead, apply a soothing anti-itch cream to bring down inflammation.

Board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, Dr. Heibel offers a range of procedures, including chemical peels and BOTOX®. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and other skin malignancies. Early morning appointments are available Mondays and Wednesdays, and noontime appointments can be scheduled on Wednesdays. Same-day slots are available for emergencies. To find out more about all the dermatology services offered by Dr. Heibel, visit Heibel Dermatology online. To book your appointment, call (402) 488-6969.