How often do skin cells divide?

Skin cells go through the division phase that takes between 1/2 to 1 1/2 hours to complete, depending on the location. Body cells, which include skin, hair, and muscle, are duplicated through the process of mitosis.

Skin cells belong in the category of somatic cells and are duplicated at a rapid rate during life. In comparison, brain and nerve cells seldom reproduce. Cell division occurs through a six-phase mitosis process in which a somatic cell divides into two completely identical cells. This process is repeated until the cycle is complete. Newly formed skin cells replace those that have died from damage or age.