ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Human skin

Human skin is like a special jacket that covers our entire body. It is very important because it protects us from outside things like dirt, germs, and bad weather. Our skin is made up of three important layers that help our skin to do its job.

The first layer is called the epidermis. It is the outermost layer of our skin and is made of flat, tough cells that fit together like puzzle pieces. These cells are constantly shedding and being replaced, like leaves falling off a tree. The epidermis also produces a special substance called melanin that gives our skin its color.

The second layer is called the dermis. This layer is thicker than the outer layer and contains lots of important things like blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles. Blood vessels help keep our skin healthy by supplying it with oxygen and nutrients, while sweat glands produce sweat to help us cool down when we are too hot.

The third layer is called the subcutaneous layer. This layer is the thickest of all and is made of fat and connective tissue. It helps keep our body warm and provides a cushion for our bones and muscles.

All these layers work together to make our skin an amazing thing! Without it, we wouldn't be able to feel things like hugs, tickles, or even pain. It also helps protect us from harmful sun rays that can give us sunburns or even worse, skin cancer. So always remember to take care of your skin by washing it every day and wearing sunscreen when you go outside!