Exfoliation: meaning, definitions and examples

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exfoliation

 

[ ˌɛksfəlɪˈeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

skin care

The process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, usually done through physical or chemical means.

Synonyms

dermabrasion, peeling, scrubbing.

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Word Description / Examples
exfoliation

Used in general skincare routines to remove dead skin cells from the surface. Can be chemical or physical.

  • Regular exfoliation helps to keep the skin smooth
  • Chemical exfoliation can be gentler on sensitive skin
scrubbing

Refers to a physical exfoliation method where scrubs containing small grains or particles are used to manually remove dead skin cells.

  • She uses a gentle face scrub for exfoliating
  • Over-scrubbing can irritate sensitive skin
peeling

Usually refers to a chemical exfoliation method, where acids are used to remove dead skin layers, often done in a professional setting but can also be done at home with milder versions.

  • The chemical peeling left her skin feeling rejuvenated
  • She used a mild peeling mask to refresh her complexion
dermabrasion

A more intense cosmetic procedure performed by professionals to improve skin texture, often used for scars and wrinkles.

  • She chose dermabrasion to reduce the appearance of acne scars
  • The dermatologist recommended dermabrasion for deep skin resurfacing

Examples of usage

  • Regular exfoliation can help improve the texture and appearance of your skin.
  • Exfoliation is an important step in any skincare routine.
Context #2 | Noun

geology

The process of erosion in which sheets of rock peel away from a larger mass.

Synonyms

flaking, peeling, scaling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exfoliation

This term is commonly used in beauty and skincare to describe the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. It can also be used in geology to describe the peeling away of layers of rock.

  • Regular exfoliation helps to keep the skin smooth and clear.
  • Exfoliation of the granite rock created an interesting landscape.

Examples of usage

  • The exfoliation of rocks can be caused by changes in temperature.

Translations

Translations of the word "exfoliation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esfoliação

🇮🇳 एक्सफोलिएशन

🇩🇪 Exfoliation

🇮🇩 eksofoliasi

🇺🇦 ексфоліація

🇵🇱 eksfoliacja

🇯🇵 角質除去 (kakushitsu jokyo)

🇫🇷 exfoliation

🇪🇸 exfoliación

🇹🇷 eksfoliasyon

🇰🇷 각질 제거 (gakjil jegeo)

🇸🇦 تقشير

🇨🇿 exfoliace

🇸🇰 exfoliácia

🇨🇳 去角质 (qù jiǎozhì)

🇸🇮 eksfoliacija

🇮🇸 exfoliation

🇰🇿 эксфолиация

🇬🇪 ექსფოლიაცია

🇦🇿 eksfoliasiya

🇲🇽 exfoliación

Etymology

The word 'exfoliation' originated from the Latin word 'exfoliatus', which means 'to strip off leaves'. The term was first used in the 17th century to describe the shedding of leaves or bark from a plant. Over time, the term was adopted in the fields of skincare and geology to describe the shedding or peeling away of layers. Today, exfoliation is a common practice in skincare routines to promote healthy skin renewal and in geology to explain certain rock formations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,582, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.