What process refers to the shedding of skin?

Desquamation is the process that specifically refers to the shedding or peeling of the outer layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis. This natural biological process is critical for maintaining skin health as it allows for the removal of old, dead skin cells which makes way for new skin cells to emerge from below. This continuous turnover of skin cells helps to keep the skin looking fresh, protects against infections, and can aid in overall skin regeneration.

While exfoliation is a term commonly associated with the removal of dead skin cells through mechanical or chemical means, it is not the same as desquamation, which occurs naturally as part of the skin's life cycle. Laceration involves a tear or a cut in the skin, and decapitation refers to the removal of the head from the body, which are not related to the normal shedding process of skin.