What is the "live" layer of the skin?

The "live" layer of the skin is the dermis. This layer is located beneath the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. The dermis contains vital components such as blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, and glands (including sweat and sebaceous glands). It is responsible for providing structural support and elasticity to the skin, thanks to its collagen and elastin fibers. Additionally, the dermis plays an essential role in thermoregulation and sensation due to its rich supply of blood vessels and nerve endings.

In contrast, the stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, and stratum lucidum are all layers of the epidermis, which is primarily composed of dead keratinized cells. These layers serve important functions related to skin protection and barrier formation, but they do not contain living cells. Therefore, identifying the dermis as the "live" layer accurately reflects its role as a foundational and active layer of the skin, in contrast with the more superficial layers of the epidermis that primarily serve to protect the body.