"on the skin" vs "in the skin"

Question

"on the skin" vs "in the skin"

Both 'in the skin' and 'on the skin' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the skin' is used when referring to something that is physically inside the skin, like a splinter. 'On the skin' is used when referring to something that is on the surface of the skin, like a rash or a tattoo.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use 'on the skin' when talking about something that is located or applied to the surface of the skin, such as a rash, lotion, or tattoo design.

Examples:

She applied sunscreen on the skin to protect it from the sun.
The rash appeared on the skin after the allergic reaction.
The artist drew a beautiful design on the skin.

Alternatives:

on top of the skin
at the skin's surface
externally on the skin
covering the skin
over the skin

Use 'in the skin' when talking about something that is located or embedded within the skin, such as a splinter or a foreign object.

Examples:

The doctor found a splinter in the skin of my finger.
The tattoo ink was injected in the skin.
The medication is absorbed in the skin.

Alternatives:

inside the skin
within the skin
embedded in the skin
under the skin
deep in the skin

Answer 1

on the skin

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to something that is on the surface of the skin.

Answer 2

in the skin

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to something that is physically inside the skin.

"on the skin" vs "in the skin"

on the skin

in the skin

Related Comparisons