Esthetics Core Written Practice Test

The three primary layers of the skin are indeed the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a protective barrier against environmental elements, pathogens, and moisture loss. It consists mainly of keratinized cells and varies in thickness depending on the body area.

Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, which is much thicker and contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands (such as sebaceous and sweat glands). The dermis is responsible for much of the skin's elasticity and strength due to its collagen and elastin fibers.

The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, is the deepest layer. It is composed of fat and connective tissue that insulates the body and allows for flexibility and movement. This layer also serves as an energy reserve and helps anchor the skin to underlying structures like muscles and bones.

The other options in the question either mix layers with additional structures or incorrectly identify the components of the skin, which is why they do not accurately represent the three main layers of the skin.