Final answer:
The literary device used in the excerpt is a simile, comparing the speaker's skin to sandpaper.
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary device used in the excerpt 'My skin was like sandpaper' is a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'. In this case, the speaker is comparing their skin to sandpaper, emphasizing its rough and abrasive texture. Similes are commonly used in literature to create vivid imagery and evoke strong emotions.
Learn more about similes