Epidermis: the superficial layers of the skin
Quick facts
- Definition
- The most superficial layer of the skin, with no blood vessels of its own.
- Layers
- Basal, spinous, granular and cornified (plus the clear layer in thick skin).
- Turnover
- Cells are born in the basal layer and rise until they shed at the surface.
- Function
- Barrier against water loss, external agents and radiation.
- Below it
- The dermis, which contains vessels, collagen and elastin.
The epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin. It is a lining tissue made up mainly of keratinocytes, with no blood vessels of its own, resting on the dermis. Its main function is to act as a barrier: against water loss, against microorganisms and against solar radiation.
What are the layers of the epidermis?
| Layer | What happens |
|---|---|
| Basal | Cells divide and give rise to new ones |
| Spinous | Cells bind tightly to one another |
| Granular | They begin to produce barrier proteins and lipids |
| Stratum corneum | Flattened, dead cells that form the outer protection |
In the thick skin of the palm and sole, there is also a clear layer between the granular and the cornified layers. On the face, the skin is thin, and the whole thing measures a fraction of a millimeter.
How does the epidermis renew itself?
Cells are born in the basal layer and rise, changing shape and function, until they reach the surface and shed. The time for this cycle varies between people and gets longer with age. The epidermis also contains melanocytes, which produce melanin, and cells of the immune system.
Why does it matter in HOF?
Injectable procedures cross the epidermis. Preparation with skin antisepsis, care with lesions and attention to inflammatory conditions on the surface are part of safety. In surface treatments such as peels, the depth of action in the epidermis and dermis defines the intensity of the response and the recovery time.
The epidermis is separated from the dermis by the dermoepidermal junction. The deepest part of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, lies below the dermis.
In Harmy
The projection works on the shape and volume of the face, on the frontal photo. It does not simulate changes in texture or in the layers of the skin.
Also called: superficial skin layer.
Frequently asked questions
Does the epidermis have blood vessels?
No. It is nourished by diffusion from the vessels of the dermis, which lies just below.
How thick is the epidermis of the face?
It is very thin, a fraction of a millimeter, and varies between areas. The eyelid has the thinnest skin of the face.