Skin is vital for functional and aesthetic purposes, acting as a barrier against microorganisms, mechanical trauma and radiation, while contributing to thermoregulation, fluid balance and vitamin D synthesis, as well as influencing cosmesis and hence identity. In reconstructive surgery, skin grafting is a cornerstone technique to expedite wound healing and enhance functional and cosmetic outcomes following burns, trauma, and skin cancers. This presentation delves into the historical trajectory of skin grafting, tracing its roots from ancient civilisations to contemporary innovations. Skin grafting is documented as early as 1500 BCE in both Egypt and India. Despite its use in ancient civilisation, the technique was forgotten during the Middle Ages until a resurgence in the 19th century. Noteworthy milestones include Baroni's 1804 application on rams, Bünger's 1821 nasal reconstruction with skin grafting and Reverdin pioneering the pinch graft in 1869. The late 19th century witnessed the development of the “Ollier-Thiersch” technique for split thickness skin graft harvest, and Wolfe and Krause reporting the use of full thickness skin grafts to treat ectropion. Technological advancements in the 20th century, such as the Humby knife in 1934 and the Brown dermatome in 1948, marked crucial breakthroughs in depth control and rapid harvesting for split thickness skin grafts. Subsequently, Tanner, Vandeput, and Olley developed a Mesher in 1964. Ongoing developments involve the incorporation of allogenic, xenogenic and alloplastic materials to optimise graft take. Understanding the historical evolution of skin grafting not only informs its contemporary application but also lays the foundation for the generation of novel techniques.