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

Peptides stimulate the dermal papilla cells in hair follicles to support growth and strengthen hair shafts, while biotin boosts keratin production for thicker, more resilient brow hairs. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024

Additionally, the volumizing serum is designed to complement dermal filler injections. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Lead can reach the bloodstream in many ways, dermal exposure being one of them, according to Bhattacharya. —Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 17 Aug. 2024

Similarly, the pairing of chemical peels with dermal fillers or Botox injections can rejuvenate the complexion while simultaneously restoring volume. —Matt King, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

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