Where is collagen primarily located in the skin?

Collagen is primarily located in the dermis, which is the thick layer of skin situated beneath the epidermis. The dermis is rich in connective tissues and provides structural support and elasticity to the skin. It contains a dense network of collagen and elastin fibers that help maintain the skin's strength and resilience.

In contrast, the epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and is mainly composed of keratinocytes, which do not produce collagen. The hypodermis, or subcutaneous layer, consists primarily of fat and connective tissues, which also lacks the dense collagen found in the dermis. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and is made up of dead skin cells, lacking collagen entirely. Therefore, the dermis is the correct answer as it is the main reservoir for collagen in the skin, contributing to its overall integrity and functionality.