What is the Dermis?

The dermis contains the following characteristics:

• Connective tissue – this is usually in the form of densely-packed protein fibers called collagen. Collagen is what gives skin its strength and durability. As a person ages, their collagen becomes hardened, and the skin is less elastic. This is what creates wrinkling.
• Nerve endings – these sensory fibers send textural clues to the brain when stimulated by touch. It is what allows the body to feel the sensations of pleasure and pain.
• Sebaceous glands – also known as “sweat glands”, these formations resemble tightly coiled tubes. They produce sebum, which helps to moisturize the skin. This also serves as a barrier to protect the skin from bacterial and fungal infections.
• The papillary dermis – this is the highest level of the dermis, and it merges with the epidermis through the use of collagen. The papillae in this area are what connects the epidermis to its blood supply. The dermo-epidermal junction – this small structural support system is what allows the dermal and epidermal layers to exchange cells and molecules such as keratinocytes.
• The reticular dermis – this is the lower level. Collagen at this level simultaneously grows in all different directions. Collagen does not grow in a single uniform direction until it reaches closer to the epidermis itself.