Most of us are ignorant about effective brushing and face-washing

Go to hygiene school

What's to learn? Loads. 

    It's two of many things we do first thing in the morning. Every morning. We've been doing it since we could hold a brush, and soap. So, we imagine, we can't get it wrong. 
    But dermatologists and dentists claim several of us haven't mastered the right technique of washing our faces, and brushing teeth. Mirror gets Dr Jaishree Sharad and Dr Anand Shetye to tell you where you are going wrong. THE PERFECT TOOTH SCRUB 
    Since mornings tend to be rushed, brushing is one of the first casualties. You need to brush your teeth for at least two minutes if you are to maintain optimum oral health. Dr Anand Shetye, prosthodontist and implantologist says, "The morning routine should combine brushing, tongue cleaning and massaging the gums. Always hold the brush at a 45 degree angle, and rotate it in circular motion, not horizontally across the teeth surface. Target a few teeth at a time, and always remember to brush the gum line (where the teeth meet the gums). 
    Tongue cleaning minimises bad breath (halitosis). Gums are the supporting system for teeth. A coral pink colour is a sign of good healthy gums, says Dr Shetye. Use the brush to gently massage the gums and improve blood circulation. 
    Always pick a toothbrush with soft bristles arranged in various directions. Change it once in three months. Brushing should be followed by flossing to help dislodge food debris (plaque) that sits between the teeth and breeds bacteria. While choosing a toothpaste, check for baking soda content. It helps remove stains, but too much of it can lead to deterioration of the enamel (glass-like material layers the teeth). 
    Wash your brush thoroughly, else you will be shoving bacteria leftover on the bristles, back into your mouth. THE PERFECT FACE WASH ROUTINE 
    Washing the face is an important act of the personal hygiene routine, although most of us do it on auto mode. Cleansing helps get rid of old surface skin cells, dirt and dust, make-up and bacteria. 
    If your facial skin feels dry and tight, it could have something to do with how you wash your face. If you are using a lathery soap bar, scrubbing your face with vengeance, and wiping it vigorously with a towel, you are doing more harm than good. 
    The skin on your face is not the same as that on your body. Besides, not all soaps are created equal. First, recognise your skin type — oily, dry, normal or combination. Dr Jaishree Sharad, cosmetic dermatologist, explains, "Soap can alter the pH of skin, making it alkaline and hence, dry." A mild face wash is your best option. Look out for one with the following ingredients —cocamidopropyl betaine or caprylic triglyceride, all sulfate-free surfactants. 
    Sharad suggests that you wash your hands thoroughly before you wash your face, else you will be working dirt into your skin. Apply the cleanser using your finger tips, not palms, with gentle, circular strokes, starting at the base and moving upward on your face and neck. "Don't scrub. A gentle massage is effective at loosening grime and dead skin cells. Scrubbing irritates the skin. Always rinse with tepid, not cold, water. Hot water dries the skin, while cold water cannot dissolve embedded dirt. Don't forget to rinse the cleanser from your neck and hairline. Cleanser residue can clog pores and attract dirt," she adds. 
    To dry your face, gently blot off excess water with a soft towel. Don't drag the towel across your face. Follow it with a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type. This helps seal in surface moisture. 
    Massaging your face doesn't increase circulation. It can in fact, stimulate sebaceous glands and lead to acne. Exercise is your bet if you want to boost blood circulation.

Dr Anand Shetye

DON'T move your brush across the surface of your teeth, from left to right

DO hold the brush at an angle, and move in up and down in short, vigorous strokes

Dr Jaishree Sharad

DON'T scrub your face vigorously with your palms

DO use the tips of your fingers to gently massage face wash into your skin