What are 4 ways the skin defends the body from infection?

The skin defends the body from infection through several mechanisms: First, it acts as a physical barrier, preventing pathogens from entering the body. Second, it produces antimicrobial peptides and enzymes that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Third, the skin maintains a balanced microbiome that competes with harmful microorganisms. Lastly, skin cells can initiate immune responses by releasing signaling molecules that attract immune cells to sites of injury or infection.