What is the role of the epidermis during laser procedures?

The epidermis plays a crucial role during laser procedures by acting as a protective barrier while also absorbing some laser energy. The outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, serves to shield the underlying tissues from potential damage caused by laser treatments. By absorbing a portion of the laser energy, the epidermis helps mitigate the intensity of the laser's impact on deeper layers, which can be beneficial in minimizing side effects and protecting more sensitive structures beneath the skin.

This absorption is essential for increasing patient safety, ensuring that the underlying dermal structures receive the intended therapeutic effects of the laser without being overexposed to energy that could lead to thermal injury. Therefore, understanding the function of the epidermis in this context highlights its protective role, emphasizing that it is not merely an obstacle but rather an integral component in the efficacy and safety of laser procedures.