The Stratum Corneum is the outermost layer of the skin, part of the epidermis. It consists of dead skin cells that are flattened and filled with a protein called keratin. This layer acts as a barrier, protecting the underlying layers of skin from environmental damage, pathogens, and moisture loss. The Stratum Corneum is crucial for maintaining skin hydration and overall health. It continuously sheds and renews itself, a process known as desquamation. Proper care, including moisturizing, helps maintain its integrity, ensuring that it effectively performs its protective functions.