What layer of the skin is responsible for producing new skin cells?

The layer of the skin responsible for producing new skin cells is the stratum germinativum. This layer, also known as the basal layer, is located at the bottom of the epidermis and is where actively dividing cells are found. These cells undergo a process of mitosis, leading to the production of new cells that migrate upwards through the layers of the epidermis toward the surface.

As these new cells mature and move up, they undergo changes, including the production of keratin, which is essential for the protective barrier function of the skin. The stratum germinativum is critical not just for the replenishment of the skin but also aids in the overall health and integrity of the skin as it helps to replace cells that are shed from the outer layers.

In contrast, the stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is largely made up of dead skin cells that provide a barrier. The stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum, while involved in additional processes such as cell adhesion and the beginning of keratinization respectively, do not serve the primary function of new cell production like the stratum germinativum does. This distinction highlights the vital role of the stratum germinativum