Stubborn dead skin on face I need advice

My dead skin on my face isn’t flakey it just feels rough and takes ages to exfoliate before being able to remove it. I found one particular lotion that works to soak but it still takes 20+ to be able to take it off. I find that having a wet warm face cloth laying over my face and one over my forehead speeds up the process but they just slide off. I’ve tried other creams, ointments and face washes to pre soak the skin but most products don’t seem to let friction happen so I can’t even remove the skin. Does anyone have any advice that helps? It’s an exhausting routine and it grows back within a few days I just want this to be easier to manage :(