Cancerbackup: The skin

Skip the page content navigation if you do not require links to content sections within this page.

Page Content Navigation

Skip the main banner if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Page Banner

Want to speak to a specialist cancer nurse? Call free on 0808 800 1234


Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Primary navigation


Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.


The skin

The skin has many purposes, it:

  • protects the body from injury and infection
  • helps to regulate body temperature
  • gets rid of waste substances through the sweat glands.

The skin is divided into two main layers. The layer nearest the surface is known as the epidermis and the layer underneath is known as the dermis.

The epidermis contains three types of cells. On the surface are flat cells, known as squamous cells. Under the layer of squamous cells are rounder cells called basal cells. In between the basal cells are the melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that produce the pigment melanin. It is this pigment that gives skin its colour variations.


The structure of the skin
The structure of the skin


Content last reviewed: 01 March 2007
Page last modified: 19 September 2007

The best cancer information for everyone
Cancerbackup has merged with Macmillan Cancer Support. We will be providing the same high quality, expertly developed information about cancer and now we can make it available to everyone who needs it.