IMPORTANT UPDATES

Epidermis

Your epidermis is the outermost layer of skin on your body. It

protects your body from harm, keeps your body hydrated,
produces new skin cells and contains melanin, which
determines the color of your skin.

Function Anatomy Conditions and Disorders Care

OV E RV I E W

The epidermis is the top layer of your skin

What is the epidermis layer of skin?

Your skin has three main layers, and the epidermis (ep-uh-
derm-us) is the outermost layer in your body. The other
two layers of skin are the dermis and hypodermis. The
epidermis is the thinnest layer of skin, but it’s responsible
for protecting you from the outside world, and it’s
composed of ?ve layers of its own.

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What are the layers of the epidermis?

The layers of the epidermis in order are:

Stratum basale (stratum germinativum; pronounced

stray-tum bay-say-lee or stray-tum germ-in-a-tie-
vum). The stratum basale is in the deepest layer of
your epidermis. New skin cells develop in this layer. It
also contains the keratinocyte (cur-at-in-o-site) stem
cells, which produce the protein keratin. Keratin helps
form hair, nails and your skin’s outer layer, which
protect you from the harsh environment. It also
contains melanocytes (mel-ann-o-sites), which are
responsible for producing melanin, which provides the
pigment of your epidermis.
Stratum spinosum (pronounced stray-tum spin-o-
sum). The stratum spinosum is between the stratum
basale and granulosum layers. This layer mostly
consists of keratinocytes held together by sticky
proteins called desmosomes (dez-mo-soam). The
stratum spinosum helps make your skin Oexible and
strong.
Stratum granulosum (pronounced stray-tum gran-
yoo-lo-sum). The stratum granulosum is between the
stratum spinosum layer and the stratum lucidum layer.
Keratinocytes have granules within them, which are
visible under a microscope in this layer.
Stratum lucidum (pronounced stray-tum loo-sid-um).
The stratum lucidum is between the stratum
granulosum and the stratum corneum. It’s a thin,
transparent layer of keratinocytes that are becoming
less round and have a Oatter shape.
Stratum corneum (pronounced stray-tum corn-ee-
um). The stratum corneum is the top layer of the
epidermis. This is the layer you see. In the stratum
corneum, keratinocytes become corneocytes (corn-ee-
o-site). Corneocytes are strong, dead keratinocytes
that protect you from harm, including abrasions, light,
heat and pathogens. This layer also consists of fats
that keep water from easily entering or leaving your
body. The corneocytes eventually shed as new
keratinocyte cells develop in the stratum basale layer
and move through the other layers of skin.

What is the de>nition of epidermis?

The word “epidermis” combines the Ancient Greek pre?x
epi-, which means “outer,” and the Ancient Greek word
derma, which means “skin.” So the word translates to
“outer skin.”

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What is the difference between

epidermis and dermis?
The epidermis and the dermis are the top two layers of
skin in your body. The epidermis is the top layer, and the
dermis is the middle layer. The dermis exists between the
epidermis and the hypodermis.

While the epidermis is the thinnest layer of skin, the

dermis is the thickest layer of skin. The dermis contains
collagen and elastin, which help make it so thick and
supportive of your skin’s overall structure.

All of your connective tissues, nerve endings, sweat

glands, oil glands and hair follicles exist in the dermis as
well as the hypodermis.

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F U N CT I O N

What are the functions of the

epidermis?
Each layer of your skin works together to keep your body
safe, including your skeletal system, organs, muscles and
tissues. The epidermis has many additional functions,
including:

Hydration. The outermost layer of the epidermis

(stratum corneum) holds in water and keeps your skin
hydrated and healthy.
Producing new skin cells. New skin cells develop at
the bottom layer of your epidermis (stratum basale)
and travel up through the other layers as they get older.
They reach the outermost layer of your epidermis after
about a month, where the skin cells shed from your
body as new cells develop at the bottom layer.
Protection. The epidermis acts like armor to protect
your body from harm, including ultraviolet (UV)
radiation, pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi and
parasites) and chemicals.
Skin color. The epidermis has cells called
melanocytes which make melanin, which is a group of
pigments in your skin that provides skin color.

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How does the epidermis help with other

organs?
In conjunction with your other layers of skin, the
epidermis protects your skeletal system, organs, muscles
and tissues from harm.

A N ATO MY

Where is the epidermis located?

The epidermis is the top layer of your skin, and it’s what
you see or feel when you look at or touch another person.

What color is the epidermis?

Melanocyte cells make melanin, which is a natural skin
pigment that determines the color of your skin.
Melanocytes produce two types of melanin that help
determine how much pigment you have:

Eumelanin: This type of melanin primarily makes dark

colors in your hair, skin and eyes.
Pheomelanin: This type of melanin primarily makes
pink or red colors in your body, including lips, nipples,
the vagina and the bulbous structure at the end of the
penis (glans), as well as hair.

How big is the epidermis?

The epidermis varies in thickness throughout your body.
In areas of skin that experience a lot of use, like the soles
of your feet and the palms of your hands, the epidermis is
thicker. These areas can be as thick as 1.5 millimeters,
which is about as thick as two credit cards stacked
together.

The epidermis is thinner in other areas of your face. For

example, the epidermis layer in your eyelids is about 0.05
millimeters thick, which is about as thick as a sheet of
copy paper.

What are the 3 major cells that make up

the epidermis?
The epidermis contains different types of cells, including:

Keratinocytes: Keratinocytes produce the protein

keratin, which is the main component of the epidermis.
Melanocytes: Melanocytes make your skin pigment,
known as melanin.
Langerhans cells: Langerhans cells prevent things
from getting into your skin.

C O N D IT I O N S A N D D I S O R D E R S

What are the common conditions and

disorders that affect the epidermis?
Some common conditions and disorders that affect the
epidermis include:

Acne.
Boils.
Dandruff.
Eczema.
Melanoma.

What are common signs or symptoms

of epidermis conditions?
Some common signs or symptoms of conditions that can
affect your epidermis include:

Dark spots or growths that change shape or color.

Dry or cracked skin.
Peeling or eroding skin.
Scaly skin.

What are some common tests to check

the health of the epidermis?
Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam of
your epidermis to check for any possible symptoms or
conditions. They may also perform the following tests:

Allergy skin tests. Allergy skin tests determine if

allergens are causing conditions in your epidermis.
Blood tests. Blood tests can diagnose allergens or
diseases.
Skin biopsy. A skin biopsy can detect diseases,
infections or cancer.

If you have melanoma, you may need further imaging

tests to determine if it has spread.

What are common treatments for the

epidermis?
Some common treatments for conditions that affect your
epidermis include:

Antibiotics. Oral antibiotics treat many skin conditions,

including infections, dry or cracked skin and boils.
Antifungal medications. Antifungal medications
include creams, ointments, gels, sprays, powders or
oral medications. They treat fungal infections in your
skin.
Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids reduce inOammation
and tissue damage.
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives). Retinoids break up
acne and help to prevent clogged pores.

CARE

Simple lifestyle changes/tips to keep

your skin healthy.
Establish a skin care routine, and follow your
healthcare professional’s recommendations for
keeping your skin healthy.
Use a mild soap for your bath or shower, and pat your
skin dry instead of rubbing it. Apply a moisturizing
cream or ointment immediately after drying your skin
to help seal in the moisture. Reapply cream or
ointment two to three times a day.
Take baths or showers with lukewarm water, not hot
water.
Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water
helps keep your skin moist.
Eat antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables,
beans, ?sh that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and
nuts.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
Limit your exposure to known irritants and allergens.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Avoid scratching or rubbing irritated skin.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

The epidermis is the top layer of skin in your body. It has

many important functions, including protecting your body
from the outside world, keeping your skin hydrated,
producing new skin cells and determining your skin color.
It’s important to take care of your epidermis. You can help
take care of your skin by drinking plenty of water, eating
antioxidant-rich foods and regularly using sunscreen with
an SPF of at least 30.

Medically Reviewed

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional

on 10/19/2021.
Learn more about our editorial process.

References

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