What aesthetic procedure is commonly used to remove dead skin cells?

Exfoliation is the process utilized to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, making it the commonly recognized aesthetic procedure for this purpose. This practice can enhance the skin's appearance by improving texture, promoting a brighter complexion, and allowing for better absorption of skincare products. Various methods of exfoliation exist, including physical scrubs, chemical exfoliants, and treatments like enzyme peels, all designed to effectively slough off the uppermost layer of dead skin.

While hydration is essential for maintaining skin health, it does not directly relate to the removal of dead skin cells. Mild peeling refers to a specific type of chemical exfoliation that may involve the use of light acids but is not as broadly defined or recognized as a standalone practice for dead skin cell removal compared to exfoliation. Microdermabrasion is indeed a method that can achieve the same outcome by mechanically exfoliating the skin, but the term "exfoliation" encompasses a wider range of techniques, making it the most accurate answer in the context of the question.