how many layers of skin are there

The skin has three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous layer). The epidermis itself contains five distinct layers, and the dermis has two layers, making a total of seven layers if counted individually. Here is a summary of the layers:

• The epidermis (outermost layer) has five layers:

  1. Stratum corneum
  2. Stratum lucidum (only on palms and soles)
  3. Stratum granulosum
  4. Stratum spinosum
  5. Stratum basale

• The dermis (middle layer) has two layers:
  6. Papillary layer
  7. Reticular layer

• The hypodermis (innermost layer, below dermis) is not typically counted as part of the skin layers but serves as connective tissue and fat.

So, skin is commonly described as having 3 main layers, with the epidermis made up of 5 thinner layers and the dermis made up of 2 layers.