The Dermis
Structural support and ageing
The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and provides structural support to the skin. It contains collagen and elastin fibres, which contribute to firmness and elasticity, as well as blood vessels and nerve endings.
This layer is responsible for many of the visible signs of ageing, including loss of volume, wrinkles, and reduced skin quality. Treatments such as injectables, microneedling, and energy-based devices are often designed to stimulate activity within the dermis.
However, excessive or poorly planned stimulation can lead to inflammation or long-term damage. The dermis responds to injury by initiating repair processes, but repeated or aggressive interventions may overwhelm this system.
Understanding how the dermis functions allows you to optimise treatments while preserving long-term skin health.
Clinical Takeaway
Understanding how the dermis functions allows you to optimise treatments while preserving long-term skin health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the dermis contain?
The dermis contains collagen and elastin fibres for structural support, as well as blood vessels, nerve endings, and other components that contribute to skin firmness and elasticity.
Can you over-stimulate the dermis?
Yes — repeated or aggressive interventions can overwhelm the dermis's repair systems, leading to inflammation and long-term damage rather than improvement.
Key Points
- Contains collagen and elastin — responsible for firmness and elasticity
- Targeted by injectables, microneedling, and energy-based devices
- Excessive stimulation can overwhelm dermal repair processes
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