Exfoliation in a facial is intended to:

Exfoliation is a facial step intended to help remove dead cells from the skin's surface, which can improve skin texture and the appearance of the skin and allow other products to work better. It can be done by gentle physical or chemical means appropriate to the skin type and within the cosmetologist's scope. Exfoliation must be suited to the client's skin and avoided where contraindicated (for example, on irritated or broken skin). Understanding the purpose of exfoliation within a facial is part of the esthetics content.