Skinbound

Skinbound is a term used across speculative fiction and some scientific discussions to describe phenomena in which skin serves as an interface or binding substrate. Because it is not standardized, its precise meaning varies by context and author.

In fantasy and science fiction, skinbound often denotes a condition, ability, or technology that fuses or binds entities to a skin-like shell. Examples may include enchanted skins that carry power or spirits, or wearable bindings that graft a creature’s essence into a skin-suit. The concept is typically used to explore themes of identity, embodiment, and boundary between self and external power.

In biomedical and materials science, skin-binding refers to adhesives, coatings, or interfaces designed to attach to the skin safely and securely. This includes transdermal patches, wearable sensors, and dermal inlays, where the skin is the site of attachment and function.

Origin and usage of the term are informal and heterogeneous, with no single canonical definition. It appears in independent works rather than as a standardized technical term, and implications depend on the discipline.