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The outermost layer of the skin is called the epidermis. This layer serves as a protective barrier between the body and the external environment, shielding underlying tissues from damage, pathogens, and dehydration. The epidermis itself is composed of several sub-layers, with the stratum corneum being the very top layer, which consists of dead skin cells that are continuously shed and replaced.

The dermis, lying beneath the epidermis, contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves but is not the outermost layer; it serves different functions such as providing strength, elasticity, and support. The hypodermis, also known as subcutaneous tissue, is the layer beneath the dermis and primarily functions in insulation and energy storage. Hence, while these layers play significant roles in skin health and function, the epidermis remains the key protective outer layer.