Deepest epidermis layer; site of cell regeneration.

Prepare for the VTCT Level 2 Facial and Skincare Test. Revise with flashcards and multiple choice questions, accompanied by insightful explanations. Ace your assessment with confidence!

The deepest epidermal layer is the stratum germinativum, also called the stratum basale. This layer sits on the basement membrane and contains stem cells that continually divide (mitose) to produce new keratinocytes, the cells that move upward, mature, and eventually shed from the surface. This ongoing cell division is what drives epidermal regeneration. The term germinativum reflects its role in generating new skin cells. Keratinocytes are the main cell type produced here, while the stratum granulosum is a more superficial layer where cells begin to keratinize and flatten, and desmosomes are cell junctions that hold cells together rather than a layer.