---
title: "Dermis — Glossary | School of Dermatology"
url: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/dermis
description: "Understand the dermis, the skin's middle layer that contains collagen, elastin, blood vessels, and nerves, and its role in skin health and aging."
lang: en
---

Glossary

# Dermis

DUR-mis

## Definition

The dermis is the thick middle layer of the skin, located between the epidermis (outer layer) and the hypodermis (subcutaneous fat layer). It is composed primarily of connective tissue, including collagen and elastin fibers produced by fibroblasts, which give the skin its strength, elasticity, and resilience. The dermis also contains blood vessels that nourish the skin, lymphatic vessels for immune function, nerve endings for sensation, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous (oil) glands. The dermis is divided into two sublayers: the papillary dermis (thin, upper layer with finger-like projections) and the reticular dermis (thicker, lower layer providing structural strength). Most anti-aging skincare targets the dermis, aiming to stimulate collagen production and protect existing collagen from degradation by UV light and free radicals.

## Related Terms

Epidermis: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/epidermis
Hypodermis: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/hypodermis
Collagen: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/collagen
Elastin: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/elastin
Fibroblast: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/fibroblast

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