ABSTRACT
It is known that the epidermis (outer) layer of the skin constantly sheds epithelial cells into the environment. At the skin surface there are about 2 billion cells, of which approximately 667 are shed per second. e average life span of an epithelial cell is approximately 36 hours. ese dead skin cells are commonly referred to as “ras,” which are approximately 14 microns in size and weigh approximately 0.07 micrograms. e “ra” is composed of one or more dead cells, containing skin microora and body secretions, which all contribute to the individual’s odor. us, these shedded ras travel and adhere to various surfaces or can be blown away to surrounding areas before nal settling.1 e body assists in the removal of these ras, indirectly, by having its body temperature at around 37°C. As the air around the skin usually consists of lower temperature, bodies are continually heating the air around it. As heat rises, a thermal wind is produced causing the ras to be lied o other layers of skin, which are then caught by atmospheric wind. Heavier ras fall close to the subject while lighter ones dri away. Ras, which are essentially epithelial cells, are also expelled from the lungs and lining of the respiratory tract. Skin ras can then become colonized with bacteria, as long as suitable conditions exist.
