Which layer of skin is responsible for the production of new skin cells?

The stratum germinativum, also known as the basal layer, is the deepest layer of the epidermis and plays a crucial role in the production of new skin cells. In this layer, basal keratinocytes are constantly dividing through a process known as mitosis. As these cells replicate, they gradually move upward through the layers of the epidermis, eventually reaching the outermost layer where they undergo keratinization and eventually shed off.

The dermis, while it provides structural support and houses various skin structures like hair follicles and glands, does not directly contribute to the production of new skin cells. Similarly, the stratum granulosum is involved more in the process of keratinization and the formation of the skin barrier rather than in generating new cells. The stratum corneum, being the outermost layer, consists of dead keratinized cells that have already been produced and do not contribute to new cell generation. Therefore, the stratum germinativum is the key layer responsible for the continuous regeneration of the skin by producing new cells.