In microdermabrasion, what layer of skin is primarily targeted?

Microdermabrasion primarily targets the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. The treatment involves the mechanical exfoliation of this layer, aiming to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. By focusing on the epidermis, microdermabrasion can help improve the skin's texture, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance overall radiance.

The epidermis contains the stratum corneum, which is the very top layer of the epidermis. While the stratum corneum is also affected during microdermabrasion, the treatment's intent is to address the entire epidermis rather than just the uppermost layer. This distinction is essential to understand because the effects of microdermabrasion extend beyond simply the stratum corneum, promoting deeper renewal within the epidermis as a whole.

The dermis and subcutaneous layer, located beneath the epidermis, are not the primary focus of microdermabrasion. Instead, these deeper layers of the skin are usually targeted by more intense treatments, such as chemical peels or laser therapies, which are designed to penetrate further for more significant rejuvenation effects.