Final answer:
A medium depth peel penetrates beyond the stratum corneum and may reach the upper to mid-dermis. Blisters from sunburn indicate a similar depth of skin damage, affecting the epidermis and possible the dermis, akin to the targeted layers in a medium depth peel.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a medium depth peel, which is a cosmetic procedure, it penetrates the skin beyond the stratum corneum, reaching into the upper to mid-dermis. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead skin cells that provide mechanical protection and reduce the likelihood of microbial penetration and dehydration of the underlying tissues. However, a medium depth peel targets not only the stratum corneum but also the deeper layers within the epidermis and possibly the upper dermis. The presence of blisters after excessive sunbathing suggests that the sun's rays have damaged deeper layers of the skin, typically affecting the epidermis and possibly the upper dermis, similar to the penetration of a medium depth peel.
The epidermis is a multi-layered protective barrier with the stratum corneum as the frontline against environmental damage, whereas the dermis provides support and flexibility to the skin. It houses connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings. Should the dermis layer be compromised, as with severe sunburns resulting in blister formation, it indicates more profound tissue damage beyond the epidermal layer, with the potential for scars and heightened sensitivity.