They say your eyes are the windows to your soul…or well, they can be the windows to your age too. In fact, studies have shown that when strangers are asked to judge how old a person is, the eye area is one of the biggest influence .

The skin around your eyes is delicate and sensitive due to the lack of subcutaneous fat for cushioning. It tends to become thinner as we age. The thinner layer of skin exposes the veins underneath, making the area look darker. Sun damage also hastens the aging process. Dark circles, lines and eye bags can be inherited traits, however there is a lot we can do to prevent and minimize these signs of aging around our eyes.

Here are a few tips to better care for your eyes and help enhance their natural beauty:

*Invest in a good eye cream– using the same moisturizer that you use for the face can be too harsh for the sensitive eye area.

*Avoid unnecessary sun exposure– use sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat when outside in the sun for long periods of time.

* Stop your bad habits– smoking can accelerate sings of aging, alcohol can dehydrate.

*Drink more water instead– staying hydrated helps skin stay younger.

*Get plenty of sleep– keep your head elevated and try not to sleep on your stomach to prevent under eye puffiness.

*Use nature’s beauty remedies– there are some great tips our grandmothers have been telling us to use and work great :

1)Cucumber slices.

It is one of the oldest and most effective ways of eliminating those dark circles that creep like shadows on our faces. Not only do the cucumbers prevent dark circles but they also hydrate the skin to keep it looking fresh. Cucumbers are also one of the simplest eye care treatments. All you have to do is peel, slice and place fresh cucumbers on your eyes for fifteen to twenty minutes. In less than a half hour you’re looking and feeling ready to take on the day

2)Strawberry slices

Strawberries can cure puffy and tired looking eyes and can give you bright white eyes naturally.  Remove the tops of a few frozen strawberries and cut them into slices. Place these strawberries under your eyes and let them on for 5 minutes. Wash and moisturize your face after removing them. Besides removing the swelling strawberries will also make your skin smoother and younger looking. This is because strawberries contain alpha-hydroxy, which is the same ingredient found in many facial expensive creams. So now you can have the same ingredient for a lower cost.

3)Potato slices

Like cucumber, the water content in potatoes helps in reducing the puffiness around the eyes. It is also an effective home remedy for dark circles. Potatoes also contain a high amount of vitamin C and potassium. The potassium will help to keep all the fluids balanced in the body. Store a potato in the fridge overnight (2 hours will do the job too). Cut it into thick slices. Close your eyes and rest your head on something comfortable and place the cold slices on your eyelids. Leave it on for 10 minutes or till the slices become warm. Change the slices if you want a more relaxing effect and leave it on for another 10 minutes.

4)Vit. A and C                                                                                                                       

Your body craves certain vitamins to perform at its best and to keep you looking yours. The two types of Vitamins your eyes crave the most are Vit.A and Vit.C. Add some carrots or squash to your daily routine to boost your Vitamin A levels and your skin’s natural glow. For an extra dose of Vitamin C, stock up on citrus fruits or bell peppers and watch the look of your eyes improve right before your eyes.

5)Frozen green and black tea bags

Feeling a little puffy? There’s a surprising home remedy for that. Like cucumber slices, cold tea bags can do wonders for your eyes. Placing cold tea bags on your eyes will eliminate puffiness and let you be your true self in the mirror and all day long.

6)Rose Water

When your eyes themselves are in need of a little touch up, you can reach for an over the counter eye drop, or better yet restore their natural glow with rose water. Rose water has natural properties that can rejuvenate your eyes quicker than you can bat an eyelash. One or two drops, at most, can cleanse your eyes and help them sparkle.

Many times we get caught up in taking care of our skin in our face – we should not forget that the sensitive area around our eyes needs special care too. Establishing a good eye care regimen will help keep our peepers looking bright and beautiful , and will restore our confidence in looking as good as we feel.