How do you manage your exfoliation?

I'm always worried about the frequent dead skin buildup on my face during the fall and winter. Using scrubs too often makes my skin red, so I only use them once a week, but that doesn't seem to be enough. Are there any products you would recommend other than scrubs? I feel like scrubs with large granules just cause a lot of irritation without being very effective. Please recommend products that either dissolve dead skin cells or have small granules. Also, please recommend a good moisturizing cream that can soothe the skin after exfoliation!