Anyone who has struggled with their skin knows the toll it can take on your confidence. Dr. Peter Young, Facet Medical Director and board-certified dermatologist, learned that from firsthand experience.

Now Dr. Young helps other people avoid that same discouraging feeling by keeping their skin healthy. Here’s everything you need to know about him, in his own words.

1. What can you tell us about your education and background?

I am a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Massachusetts. Prior to moving to Massachusetts in 2000, I served as a physician in the U.S. Army for nine years.

After receiving my medical degree from Albany Medical College in Albany, New York, I completed my dermatology residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. I then served as Chief of Dermatology at Fort Bragg in North Carolina prior to moving to Massachusetts.

In addition to published medical articles on various topics, I’ve been invited to speak at national medical meetings on teledermatology. Plus, I‘m a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and I’m a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society.

On a personal note, I live in Westborough, Massachusetts with my wife and two sons. I‘m an avid runner, and I’ve completed two marathons.

2. What inspired you to get into dermatology?

I suffered from severe acne and hair loss that started in my teens and lasted until I was a young adult. It hurt my self-esteem and got in the way of my life. A career in dermatology has allowed me to help people with skin conditions regain their confidence and improve their quality of life.

3. What do you like best about helping people treat their skin?

There’s a strong connection between skin health and emotional well-being, and it’s truly rewarding to have the opportunity to have a positive impact on both.

4. What’s different about Facet’s approach to skin of color?

We keep in mind that treatment for some skin conditions may vary based on your skin tone. Our Facet providers are trained to treat patients of all skin tones.

5. What advice would you give someone who's struggling with their skin?

Seek help from a healthcare professional. There’s so much modern medicine can do for skin symptoms, and there’s no need to suffer in silence. Even if you have a chronic skin condition, chances are good that there are treatments to help keep your condition under control and help you live a better quality of life.

6. What’s your favorite fact about skin?

The skin is the body’s biggest organ!

7. What's the most common question you hear about skin? How do you answer it?

The most common question I get is “How can I stop the aging process?”

Of course, you can’t really stop aging, but you can slow things down by wearing sunscreen with an SPF above 30 every day, including the winter months. Choosing a product with clinically proven anti-aging ingredients the right ingredients can lead to better results.