What is the uppermost layer of the skin?

The uppermost layer of the skin is the epidermis. It serves as the protective barrier for the underlying layers of skin and helps prevent water loss while providing a first line of defense against environmental factors such as bacteria, UV radiation, and pollutants. The epidermis itself is composed of several sublayers, including the stratum corneum, which consists of dead, flattened skin cells that are continuously shed and replaced. This layer plays a crucial role in skin health, moisture retention, and overall appearance.

In contrast, the dermis lies beneath the epidermis and contains connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, is the deepest layer of the skin that connects the skin to underlying tissues and organs, primarily composed of fat and connective tissue. Both the dermis and subcutaneous layer support the structures above them but are not considered the outermost layers of the skin.