The Remarkable Life of the Skin

Your skin is a portal for pleasure and pain. The skin processes crucial vitamin D, kicks out allergens and rushes to heal cuts and bruises. Dr. Monty Lyman of Acute General Medicine at Oxford University Hospitals considers the cellular mechanics of skin’s layers; the conversation between the gut, skin and brain; and the “social skin” of exclusion or acceptance.

The Epidermis and the Dermis

The epidermis is the skin’s surface layer that forms a barrier between your body and the world. Keratinocytes, rich in keratin proteins, form the layers of the epidermis. Hands and feet have an additional layer for added protection. The epidermis keeps moisture locked into the body; without it, you would die of dehydration.