The outer layer of the skin is known as the:

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a protective barrier against environmental damage from pathogens, UV radiation, and water loss. It is composed of multiple layers of keratinocytes, which produce the protein keratin, giving the skin its strength and resilience. The epidermis is avascular (contains no blood vessels) and relies on the dermis for nutrient and waste exchange. The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, consists of dead, flattened cells that are continuously shed and replaced by new cells from the deeper layers.