First of all, your type of skin should directly influence any method you use. For example, if you have dry skin, exfoliating often will not do you any good. On the contrary, it will bust it up. Each type of skin carries the characteristics of the region it lives in. Genetically. Meaning if you’re a Scandinavian, using Indian or African cleansing recipes will do you absolutely nothing. Because the skin is different, and what one PH thrives on may be harmful to another one.
Basically, exfoliating is a rub down cleansing of the sin with rough agents. But do not use sand and hard water. You need to make this as gentle as possible, because after exfoliating your skin is prone to damaging agents from the outside, as it left unprotected because of that layer you scrub down.
There are few methods that are suitable to every one. Olive oil and sugar is one of them. You can use extra virgin olive oil and even brown sugar, although white sugar will do just as good.
First, start by rubbing your face with a hot cloth. This will dampen your skin and prepare it for the scrub. Whatever method you use in the future, dampening your skin is paramount to a good result. Damp skin has more flexibility and elasticity required to not crack when the tough gets going.
Next, dab some olive oil on your skin. Pour liberally and massage it on your face for a couple of minutes. At this point the skin should feel extremely slick. Now take sugar and wipe it on your hands. Gently rub the sugar on your face. Be ever mindful of the eyes. Do not rub more than 20-30 seconds. Any excess will only result in the opposite than desired effect. Rinse the sugar off with warm water. Your face will still be covered in olive oil, so take the damp cloth and rub it off gently until the oil is gone.
Do not do this more than once a week! You want to remove dead cells, not to help creating them. Keep in mind that every exfoliation leaves the skin vulnerable and more prone to irritation, pimples etc. That is because the process does not remove only dead cells, but one layer of skin as well, and that layer usually acts as a protective layer, even if it’s not a very good-looking one. So after you do this, do NOT apply makeup and do NOT go out in the cold. Makeup consists entirely of chemicals that will go into the unprotected skin. Cold is also a damaging agent best avoided when the skin is most vulnerable. Try to stay indoors for the day.