Why do frogs need moist skin?

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natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) — frog and toad The natterjack toad (*Bufo calamita*) lives in northern Europe.

Frogs require moist skin primarily to facilitate cutaneous respiration, a process that allows them to absorb oxygen directly from their environment and eliminate carbon dioxide.12

Because their skin is thin and rich in blood vessels, it serves as an essential surface for gas exchange. This mechanism is vital for all amphibians, as it supplements the oxygen taken in by their lungs. In many species, the skin remains a primary avenue for respiration, especially when the animal is submerged in water or during hibernation.132

While some species have adapted to drier environments by developing thicker, more glandular, or even warty skin to prevent desiccation, maintaining moisture is generally critical for the physiological function of their respiratory system.34