exfoliation

American  

[eks-foh-lee-ey-shuhn] / ɛksˌfoʊ liˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act, state, or process of exfoliating.

2. the state of being exfoliated.

3. something that is exfoliated or scaled off.

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exfoliation Scientific  

/ ĕks-fō′lē-ā′shən /

1. The process in which layers of tissue peel or are peeled off an organism, such as the distinctive ways in which bark peels off a tree in strips or flakes.

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Etymology

Origin of exfoliation

1670–80; New Latin exfoliātiōn- (stem of exfoliātiō ). See exfoliate, -ion

Explanation

Scrub the dead skin off your face and enjoy some exfoliation! It sounds gross but feels really good. Exfoliation is the process of buffing off the outer layer of skin cells or shedding parts of a surface. Exfoliation often refers to something people have done at a spa, but it’s not just for humans. A tree's exfoliation involves its bark being peeled off or leaves falling off. You could also call a snake shedding its entire scaly skin exfoliation (though it's officially known as ecdysis or shedding). When a plant loses its leaves, it's exfoliation — this is appropriate since exfoliation stems from the Latin exfoliare, "to strip of leaves."

Example Sentences

Previously, thin layers of MoSe2 were created using exfoliation -- a method similar to peeling layers off a crystal with adhesive tape.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

We each received an enhancement: I enjoyed the dry exfoliation, while my wife opted for hot stones, one of her favorite add-ons.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026

In fact, countless sources praise yogurt for its skin care benefits, citing everything from lactic acid’s gentle exfoliation effects to its probiotic properties.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2025

“Anytime you're getting exfoliation, it gives you nice fresh skin that looks brighter, healthier, and less discolored,” King says.

From National Geographic • Feb. 21, 2024

Dermatitis exfoliativa is an inflammatory disease of an acute type, characterized by a more or less general erythematous inflammation, in exceptional instances vesicular or bullous, with epidermic desquamation or exfoliation accompanying or following its development.

From Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Including the Syphilodermata Arranged in the Form of Questions and Answers Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Stelwagon, Henry Weightman