In esthetics, what does the term "exfoliation" refer to?

Exfoliation specifically refers to the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which is essential for maintaining a healthy and radiant complexion. This process can help improve skin texture, enhance the effectiveness of other skincare products, and promote cell turnover, leading to a brighter and more youthful appearance.

By effectively eliminating the outer layer of dead skin, exfoliation can also help prevent clogged pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines and acne, and enable better penetration of moisturizers and treatments applied afterward. This practice can be accomplished through various methods, including physical exfoliation with scrubs or brushes, and chemical exfoliation using acids or enzyme-based products.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of skincare: moisturizing focuses on hydrating the skin, tightening involves improving skin firmness typically through treatments or procedures, and injections of skin fillers pertain to augmenting volume or filling in wrinkles, rather than removing dead skin layers. Therefore, the core definition of exfoliation in esthetics is specifically centered on the removal of dead skin cells.