What is the term for the peeling or shedding of the skin?

Desquamation refers specifically to the natural process by which dead skin cells are shed from the surface of the skin. This is a crucial function of the epidermis, allowing for the renewal and maintenance of healthy skin. It is a biological process that occurs continuously and is essential for the health of the skin, as it helps remove old cells and facilitate the growth of new ones.

While exfoliation also involves the removal of dead skin cells, it is typically associated with the use of products or methods to assist in this process, and it can be performed physically or chemically. Dehydration pertains to a lack of moisture in the skin, affecting its appearance and health but not involving the shedding of skin. Maceration refers to the softening and breakdown of skin tissue due to prolonged exposure to moisture, which is a different concern entirely. Thus, desquamation is the precise term that denotes the natural peeling or shedding of the skin.