Your epidermis is the top layer of the skin that you can see and touch.The epidermis:
o Acts as a protective barrier: The epidermis keeps bacteria and germs from entering your body and bloodstream and causing infections.Provides skin color: The epidermis contains melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.Keratin, a protein inside skin cells, makes up the skin cells and, along with other proteins, sticks together to form this layer.They help fight off germs and infections.