ScienceAugust 12, 2026

exfoliating

eks-FOH-lee-ay-ting

Definition

The act of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, often through the use of mechanical scrubs or chemical agents.

Etymology

Originates from the Latin 'exfoliare,' meaning to strip off leaves, composed of 'ex-' (out) and 'folium' (leaf). It entered English in the 17th century to describe the shedding of biological layers.

In the news

The article uses the term to highlight how over-exfoliating can strip away the skin's essential protective microbiome. It warns that this common practice can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to long-term health issues.

Inside the skin microbiome disruption that millions of people experience without realizing it

Read the full article ↗

Kansas City Star

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