We present the results of an optical spectroscopic study of two-dimensional atomic crystals of the high-temperature superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O 8+δ. Our measurements reveal a pronounced suppression of the optical conductivity σ1(ω) with thickness. Using an effective medium approximation, we interpret this in terms of an insulating surface layer. The surface layer explains the insulating behavior previously observed in exfoliated Bi2Sr2CaCu2O 8+δ and has implications for the potential applications of these materials.