In order for a cosmetic treatment to be classified as esthetics, what layer of the skin is it primarily targeting?

The classification of a cosmetic treatment as esthetics primarily targets the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin. This layer plays a crucial role in the skin's protective barrier and is where many cosmetic treatments, such as exfoliation, hydration, and topical applications, are focused. By addressing this layer, esthetic treatments aim to improve appearance, texture, and overall skin health.

In contrast, the dermal layer deeper in the skin is primarily concerned with the structural aspects of skin resilience, such as collagen and elastin, which might be influenced by treatments like injectables but are not classified strictly under esthetics. The subcutaneous layer, which consists of fat and connective tissue, is related to body contouring treatments rather than surface-level cosmetic procedures. The muscle layer is not a focus of cosmetic skin treatments; esthetics primarily addresses visible changes on the surface rather than deeper anatomical structures.