Reptiles can leave behind a recognizable envelope. In our case, the renewal of the skin surface is much less noticeable. However, we must not confuse discretion of the phenomenon and absence of change: the cells present on the surface do not all remain there indefinitely.
NIAMS explains that new cells form in the deep part of the epidermis, while old cells detach themselves from the outside. This visible layer belongs to an organ that also includes deeper tissues, with vessels, nerve endings and glands.
A spectacular number of cells lost every minute easily gives the illusion of an identical counter in everyone. The mechanism deserves more attention than this false precision. We keep the appearance of a continuous surface as it gradually renews itself: a permanent change can preserve continuity, instead of interrupting it with a large moult.
What we know
Renewal of the epidermis; no universal number of cells removed or replacement of the entire skin as a whole.
To go to the source
References consulted on September 21, 2026. Linked pages may be in another language.
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