Which layer of the skin is primarily exfoliated during microdermabrasion?

• A. Subcutaneous layer
• B. Dermis
• C. Stratum basale
• D. Stratum corneum

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of the skin: The skin is composed of three main layers—epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is the outermost layer, and it contains several sublayers, including the stratum corneum, stratum basale, and others.
2. Learn about the stratum corneum: The stratum corneum is the outermost sublayer of the epidermis. It consists of dead, flattened keratinized cells that form a protective barrier and are continuously shed and replaced.
3. Understand the process of microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and promote cell turnover.
4. Identify the layer affected by microdermabrasion: Since microdermabrasion targets the outermost layer of the skin, it primarily exfoliates the stratum corneum, which is composed of dead cells ready to be shed.
5. Clarify why other layers are not exfoliated: The subcutaneous layer is the deepest layer of the skin, and the dermis lies beneath the epidermis, both of which are not affected by microdermabrasion. The stratum basale is a deeper layer of the epidermis responsible for cell regeneration and is not exfoliated during this procedure.