Dolphin skin is smooth and feels rubbery to the touch. Their skin is smooth because they need to pass cleanly through the water without any drag.

 

Dolphin skin is very sensitive, which means it has a lot of nerve endings in it. Humans have a lot of nerve endings too, especially on our face and hands. Other places, like human backs, have fewer nerve endings.

 

Physical contact between dolphins is an important part of communication between them. Dolphins will regularly touch each others tail flukes, pectoral fins and other parts.

 

Dolphins shed their skin regularly. They shed the out layer (epidermis) every two hours, which is about nine times as fast as humans shed their skin.

 

Source: Dudkinski