Whales head to the Canadian Arctic each year to 'exfoliate'

Whales travel to the Canadian Arctic each year for a spot of exfoliation, reveals new research.

The study shows that bowhead whales molt and rub on large rocks - enabling exfoliation - in coastal waters in the eastern Canadian Arctic during late summer.

Scientists say that rubbing on rocks may shed parasites and sun-damaged skin.

Most whales, dolphins and porpoises are thought to shed and replace their skin continuously.