LEGEND

The dermis is composed of connective tissue (extracellular matrix containing mucopolysaccharides, collagen fibers, and elastic fibers).

It contains skin appendages (hair follicles and glands), nerves, and blood vessels.

It is divided into the papillary dermis and the reticular dermis.

Collagen fibers are thinner and more delicate in the papillary dermis, while they are denser and thicker in the reticular dermis.

The thickness of the dermis varies depending on the anatomical location.

Degeneration of dermal components occurs with aging and sun exposure (degenerated elastic fibers become grayish-blue in the papillary dermis).

Degeneration of dermal components occurs with aging and sun exposure (degenerated elastic fibers become grayish-blue in the papillary dermis).

Degeneration of dermal components sets in with age and sun exposure (degenerated elastic fibers become bluish-gray in the papillary dermis).