The average adult male has 18 square feet of skin weighing over 6 pounds. Skin is a remarkably durable structure with an incredible ability to regenerate and heal itself.
Skin is comprised of two layers, the epidermis and dermis.
The epidermis is the outermost layer containing keratinocytes and melanocytes. Keratinocytes contain keratin, a protein, which provides a durable mechanical and moisture barrier to protect underlying tissues. The epidermis is continually regenerating itself. New cells are constantly being made as the outer layers die and are worn away. Although the epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, epidermal cells also line the oil and sweat glands as well as the hair follicles.