Final answer:
Degerming is a form of mechanical exfoliation that reduces microbial load using gentle to firm scrubbing and mild chemicals. It is commonly performed during or after steaming in skincare routines.
Step-by-step explanation:
A form of mechanical exfoliation that is usually administered after or during steam is referred to as degerming. Degerming is the process that reduces microbial load on the skin or tissue through the use of gentle to firm scrubbing combined with the application of mild chemicals, such as soap, to cleanse the area effectively.
The act of handwashing is a common example of degerming; it significantly reduces the number of microbes on the skin by gently scrubbing with a mild chemical to avoid the transmission of pathogens. Another example is wiping the skin with an alcohol swab at an injection site, which also serves as a method of degerming by removing most microbes from the surface of the skin.