The skin protects the body against exogenous stressors. Its function is partially achieved by the permanent regeneration of the epidermis, which requires high metabolic activity and the shedding of superficial cells, leading to the loss of metabolites.

Iron is involved in a plethora of important epidermal processes, including cellular respiration and detoxification of xenobiotics.

Likewise, microorganisms on the surface of the skin depend on iron, which is supplied by the turnover of epithelial cells.

Here, we review the metabolism of iron in the skin with a particular focus on the fate of iron in epidermal keratinocytes.

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