Exfoliation - Definition and Overview

Exfoliation has at least two meanings:

• In cosmetology, exfoliation is a cosmetic technique which is aimed at removing dead skin cells from the face and body. Removing these excess dead skin cells is reasoned to reveals more younger and healthy-looking skin underneath. Exfoliation can be done a number of ways: the most common being either to use a device such as a loofah, or by using a specific substance designed to help aid scrub the skin.

• In geology, exfoliation is a weathering process, mainly caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Exfoliation causes rock, such as granite, to weather in large, thin sheets. Exfoliation causes characteristic dome-shaped rock formations, as in granite domes.