What kind of exfoliator should I use?

The season for worrying about dead skin cells has arrived. If you have dead skin cells, makeup doesn't apply well, and neither do your skincare products. What is the most effective way to exfoliate?

I tried using an exfoliating scrub, but my face turned very red, and it stung even when I applied toner. Did I use the scrub incorrectly?

Or exfoliating pads? Or exfoliating towels? Or natural products?

Which one would be good and not cause a sensitive reaction?