THE EPIDERMIS

The epidermis is composed of a layer of dead cells on top of a layer of living cells.  As living cells divide, older cells are pushed towards the surface and are shed off your skin.  That is how your skin is constantly being shed and replaces itself.  There are no blood vessels or nerve endings in your skin.  That is how you can puncture the epidermis and not bleed or feel pain.  The epidermis forms a waterproof barrier between the living cells and the outside environment.