Ace the 2026 NIC Esthetics Exam – Unleash Your Beauty Potential!

The primary purpose of using an exfoliant during a facial is to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliation is an essential step in skin care because it helps to slough off the outer layer of dead skin, promoting cell turnover and allowing for fresher, healthier skin to come to the surface. By removing these dead cells, exfoliation can improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, facilitating better absorption of other products used in the facial, such as serums and moisturizers.

While the other options provided, such as brightening the skin and increasing blood circulation, can be beneficial side effects of exfoliation, they are not the main purpose of using an exfoliant. Hydration is also important in skin care but is typically achieved through moisturizers rather than through the exfoliation process itself. Thus, the key focus of exfoliation is its ability to effectively remove dead skin cells, making the skin look more vibrant and feel smoother.