The Epidermis
It is very important to keep the epidermis intact, for in a healthy state it is strongly resistant to bacteria and external agents.
The outer layer of the skin is the epidermis, which itself consists of several layers, the outer-most layer being the stratum corneum or horny layer consisting of dead cells.
These are only attached loosely, and are constantly being shed and replaced from the layers below. In addition to these cells growing up from the basal layer, the epidermis contains other specialised cells such as pigment cells.
The dead cells are covered by a film of sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands, which helps to keep the skin supple. It is very important to keep this outer layer intact, for in a healthy state it is strongly resistant to bacteria and external agents.
