Exfoliation is the process of scrubbing off dead skin cells to reveal and expose "younger," fresher skin. The shedding process unclogs pores, keeps skin clean and helps reduce acne breakouts. It's usually the first step in cleaning your face, to be followed by washing your face with soap (preferably one with hypoallergenic properties), and finally, moisturizing.
Unfortunately, many men wash exclusively with plain old hotel-grade soap. It's certainly enough to keep you clean, but it's not the best bet to keep your skin healthy. Indeed, bar soap dries out your skin, its ingredients sometimes clogging pores and leading to rougher skin in the long run.
Exfoliation also specifically helps men in a huge way: It exposes the face's hair follicles, allowing for a better shave. And we all know that a smoother shave is practically the holy grail of a man's morning ritual.
