Skin is the largest organ in the body, constituting 15-20% of total body mass. Ayurveda uses the terms Twacha and Charma for skin. Explanations of formation, structure, layers and different types of diseases affecting the skin are explained in ayurvedic literature. The word Twacha is derived from the root “twak – samavarane “is twak is one which covers or covering of the body. It is one of the matrujabhava (maternal factor).

Twacha (skin) develops soon after fertilization at the outer surface of the developing embryo as aresult of the metabolic activities within it. It is formed on the outer surface of the body just like how cream is formed on the outer surface of the boiling milk.

Acharya Sushruta explains seven layers of skin but Acharya Charaka explain six layers of skin. The nature of the skin as highly variable according to the dosa predominance and the prakriti of an individual. The chayya and prabha (lustre and the radiance) are expressed through Twacha. Examination skin is an important step in examination of the patient. Twacha Is the sensory organ for touch. Tvacha is also seat for many diseases.

In this work the concept of tvacha and its layers according to Acharya sushruta is studied and compared with the modern anatomy of skin.