Understanding Skin: The Epidermis & how it helps us

If you’re interested in skincare, I’m sure you’ve heard of the word Epidermis before. So what exactly is it and why is it so important? 

The epidermis is the top layer of our skin. It’s what we can feel, touch, and what comes into contact with the world protecting us from harm. Within the epidermis, there are 5 sub-layers and these layers and their functions are described below:

Stratum Corneum (Horny Layer)

This is the outermost/surface layer of the skin and is made up of dead, aged keratinocyte cells (what we see as dead flaky skin) that are eventually sloughed from the skin on a daily basis. It is made up of these hard, flat cells and its main job is to protect the skin and prevent moisture/water loss, dehydration and keep nasty foreign bodies out.

Stratum Lucidum (Clear Layer)

This layer is known as the ‘clear layer’ of the epidermis. It is made up of flat, transparent cells and its main job is to control the amount of water that can pass through the skin. This layer can be seen clearly on the soles of feet and palms of our hands.

 

Stratum Granulosum (Granular Layer)

In this layer of the epidermis active cells begin to die. This layer of the epidermis also helps to prevent water loss by creating a waterproof barrier to keep moisture and fluids in.

  

Stratum Spinosum (Prickle cell Layer)

This layer of the epidermis helps keep our skin strong and flexible by protecting it from abrasion and penetration. It also contains ‘langerhans’ cells which help support the immune system, and has a layer of cells that keep our skin waterproof.

  

Stratum Germinativum/Basale (Basal Layer)

This layer of the epidermis anchors the epidermis the deeper layers of skin (the dermis). The Stratum Germinativum or also Basal Layer as it is also known contains germinal cells – which are cells of regeneration that nourish the whole of the epidermis and where our melanin cells reside also, responsible for protecting our skin from UV rays and external aggressors (and giving us post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation & melasma too if were unlucky).

As you can see, all of these layers are crucial to the health of the skin whether it comes to keeping moisture in and nasty bacteria and pathogens away, or providing strength and support for the skin and getting rid of old, aged, dead skin cells. The epidermis plays a vital role in skin health…. I mean, it is the layer that we can see, touch, and work hard to make it look good enough to show off to the world. 

So the next time you see an article or video online talking about the epidermis, hopefully now you’ll be able to understand what it is, what it does and why it’s super important… especially if you want skin that’s instagram ready!