It can be the use of a washcloth for the face or a razor for your legs, as long as you are gently rubbing your skin or even scraping it, you are removing excess dead skin cells. A good exfoliant will smooth your skin because it removes the dead cells to reveal the newer ones underneath. Facial scrubs are ones with very subtle grains, like finely milled apricot pits. If used gently on the face they can be very effective. Facial masks perform exfoliation, when they dry they take the dead skin cells with them.
Some facial masks have a grainy texture that helps smooth the skin during the rinse cycle.
Toners are even exfoliating products and work by removing dirt and cells via a cotton ball or pad. Toners are used on the face and neck. When choosing a scrub for the face, make sure it has a light texture and fine, even particles. Chunks of scrub ingredients are best saved for the body as they will be too harsh for the fine and delicate facial skin and may leave it red and irritated. Don t choose something with a lot of oils or you may have more clogged pores than you want to deal with.