The stratum corneum, also known as the skin barrier, is the outermost layer of skin which protects us from the environment. It contains two essential components, cells and lipids, which are tightly layered like a brick wall. The lipids (made up of a combination of fatty acids, cholesterol and ceramides) surround the cells and control the flow of water within the skin barrier, allowing some moisture to evaporate as needed but holding in the rest to keep the skin hydrated.
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