Sloughing: meaning, definitions and examples

medical term

The process of shedding dead skin cells from the body, typically as a result of sunburn or a skin condition.

exfoliation, peeling, shedding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sloughing	Used primarily in medical or biological contexts, referring to the process where dead tissue is naturally removed from a living organism. The surgical wound is sloughing off dead tissue as it heals
shedding	Often used in reference to animals losing fur, hair, or skin as part of a natural process, but can also refer to leaves falling from trees. The dog is shedding its winter coat
peeling	Can be used in both medical and everyday contexts to describe the removal of a thin layer, such as skin peeling after a sunburn or the peel of fruit. My skin is peeling after spending too much time in the sun
exfoliation	Common in skincare and beauty contexts, describing the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to improve texture and appearance. Regular exfoliation can help maintain a healthy and glowing complexion

Examples of usage

• The sloughing of dead skin cells is a natural part of the body's renewal process.

• She experienced sloughing of skin after getting a severe sunburn.

• The doctor explained that the sloughing of skin is important for maintaining healthy skin.

• The sloughing process can be accelerated with the use of certain skincare products.

• After the treatment, you may notice some sloughing of skin as the damaged cells are shed.

• The sloughing of dead skin cells can help to reveal younger, healthier skin underneath.