Exfoliate

Exfoliate is a verb meaning to strip away outer layers from a surface. In everyday language it often refers to removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Exfoliation can be achieved through mechanical methods, such as scrubs containing granular particles (sugar, salt, rounded polymers), brushes, konjac sponges, or textile fibers, or through chemical methods using acids or enzymes that dissolve or loosen intercellular bonds or keratin. When used on skin, exfoliation aims to improve texture, promote even tone, and enhance absorption of moisturizers and active ingredients. Chemical exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) and beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid); enzymatic exfoliants use proteolytic enzymes from fruits like papain or bromelain. Safety considerations include the risk of irritation, redness, or compromised skin barrier; over-exfoliation can worsen dryness or sensitivity. It is generally advised to tailor frequency to skin type and to patch-test new products; avoid active breakouts or inflamed skin.

In geology and earth science, exfoliation refers to the process by which surface layers peel or spall from rock bodies, often forming rounded domes. This is typically the result of pressure release, thermal expansion, or unloading; the resulting sheets may separate and weather away over long timescales.

In horticulture and botany, exfoliation can describe the shedding of bark or scales from certain plants or tree trunks, though the term is less common in common usage.

Regulatory and consumer trends have led to the removal of certain abrasive plastics from cosmetic exfoliants in many jurisdictions.