Epidermal cells are the primary cells found in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. These cells play a crucial role in protecting the body from environmental damage, pathogens, and dehydration. They are constantly renewed, with new cells forming at the base of the epidermis and gradually moving to the surface, where they eventually die and shed. There are several types of epidermal cells, including keratinocytes, which produce the protein keratin that helps waterproof the skin, and melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin that gives skin its color. Together, these cells contribute to the skin's barrier function and overall health.