What do keratinocytes produce in the skin?

Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Their primary function is to produce keratin, a fibrous protein that contributes to the protective barrier of the skin. Keratin helps make the skin water-resistant and provides mechanical strength, enabling it to withstand various environmental hazards.

In addition to keratin, while other types of cells in the skin produce collagen (which provides structure and support), elastin (which enables elasticity), and melanin (which gives skin its color), keratinocytes themselves are specifically responsible for synthesizing keratin. This distinction is crucial for understanding the different roles of skin cells and the components they produce, which collectively maintain skin health and functionality.