In which layer of the skin do scars primarily form?

Scars typically form in the dermis, which is the thick layer of skin situated between the epidermis and the hypodermis. When the skin is injured, the body responds by healing the wound, which involves the formation of new connective tissue. This healing process predominantly occurs in the dermis because this layer contains the necessary blood vessels, collagen, and fibroblasts that contribute to the repair and remodeling of the tissue.

The dermis also provides structural support to the skin, whereas the epidermis consists primarily of protective cells that do not have the same regenerative capability. Similarly, the stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and is composed mainly of dead skin cells, which play a role in barrier protection rather than in the healing of deeper skin injuries. The hypodermis, or subcutaneous layer, is located beneath the dermis and is primarily involved in insulation and energy storage rather than in scar formation.

Thus, the nature of the scar tissue, its depth, and the physiological processes involved in healing clearly indicate that the dermis is the main site where scars develop.