• Question: What material is our skin made of?

    Asked by lori for life to Claire, Liad, Ruth, Ryan, Mako on 14 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Ryan Cheale

      Ryan Cheale answered on 14 Jun 2015:

      Cells, trillions of cells!

      There are three layers, epidermis which contains keratin to make it tough (like your teeth and nails).
      Deep blow is the dermis which gives your skin it’s strength and elasticity due to being made up collagen and elastin fibres
      Final layer is subcutis which is basically a layer of fat which acts as a reserve food source and also helps cushions knocks and bumps!

      Interesting fact, your skin is an organ much like your brain or kidney! Which makes it the largest organ that your body has.

    • Photo: Ruth Elderfield

      Ruth Elderfield answered on 15 Jun 2015:

      Our skin is made up of cells (as is the rest of our body). The different types of cell that make up our skin are specialised to be a barrier to the outside world. The cells are made of protein, carbohydrate and fats with a few other essential elements.

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