dermal

adjective

der·​mal ˈdər-məl 

1

: of or relating to skin and especially to the dermis : cutaneous

2

: epidermal

Did you know?

The word dermal often comes up nowadays in connection with cosmetic treatments. Dermal therapy usually means restoring moisture to dry, cracked skin. Dermal fillers such as collagen can be injected to fill in acne scars or reduce wrinkles. These have now been joined by treatments like Botox, which paralyzes facial dermal muscles, again in order to reduce wrinkles (since those dermal muscles are used to form expressions). A synonym for dermal is cutaneous.

Examples of dermal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ingredient is a key component of popular dermal fillers that add volume to mature skin, including Juvéderm and Restylane. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025

Ablative Laser Resurfacing Ablative lasers work on the epidermal (outer) and dermal (middle) layers of skin. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025

The hyaluronidase is then directly injected into the site of the hyaluronic acid dermal filler, and then the area is massaged. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

These include laser resurfacing, which triggers collagen production and evens out skin tone; dermal fillers to add volume and smooth fine lines; and nonsurgical skin tightening procedures that stimulate collagen production. —Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dermal

adjective

der·​mal ˈdər-məl 

: of or relating to the dermis or epidermis : cutaneous

Medical Definition

dermal

adjective

der·​mal ˈdər-məl 

1

: of or relating to skin and especially to the dermis : cutaneous

2

: epidermal