They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. It is certainly true that shining eyes with sparkling, bright whites create an instant positive impression. You can be equally sure that dull, tired eyes with bloodshot discoloured whites, surrounded by unnecessary lines and wrinkles will do the exact opposite. Make-up can help but cannot perform miracles, no matter how expertly applied. This kind of damage is largely self-inflicted and by taking some simple steps can usually be reversed.

Before we begin I would like to make a very important point. While the eyes may be the windows to the soul they are definitely a door to infection. Not only can eye infections such as sties and conjunctivitis be caused by poor hygiene but other bacterial and viral infections like colds and flu can also be transmitted via the eyes. So it is very important that all make-up brushes, applicators and your fingers be scrupulously clean before coming into contact with the eye area.

There are a number of factors that can influence the health and appearance of your eyes. One of the most important is stress.

There are a number of types of stress that can affect your eyes. Stress causes you to tense your facial muscles which, over time, creates lines and wrinkles. Firstly if you wear specs make sure your prescription is up to date to reduce visual stress. If you spend a lot of time in stressful lighting situations, for example you work under florescent lights, see your optician about specs with a comfort tint or comfort lenses.

Make a conscious effort to relax your facial muscles regularly throughout the day. Relax your forehead, eye and mouth area in turn. If you practice this often it will soon become second nature.

Always wear a good pair of sunglasses whenever you find the sun strong enough to cause you to notice its effects. Make sure they filter out the complete spectrum of UV light. If the shop you are buying from does not understand what you mean by this, buy them somewhere else.

Staring at a computer screen for hours, together with a dry centrally heated atmosphere can cause a common condition called dry eye syndrome. If your eyes feel dry and scratchy ask your Pharmacist for some artificial tears. These come as easy-to-use drops which you can put in your eyes throughout the day whenever they feel uncomfortable.

The next important point is always, always, without fail, cleanse and moisturise the eye area each night before going to bed. Use a gentle cleanser and make sure that all traces of make-up, especially mascara, are removed.

All moisturisers work by creating a barrier which prevents moisture leaving the skin. There are many products containing all kinds of scientific sounding and usually expensive ingredients especially marketed for the eye area which may be worth trying but an inexpensive product from a reputable cosmetic house will do a great job. The most important thing is to choose a product that suits your skin and does not cause any irritation and use it religiously.

Smoking has so many negative effects on the health that the damage it causes to your appearance may seem trivial. But smoking causes the skin to dry out resulting in lots of fine wrinkles that gradually deepen over time. The skin also takes on a sallow, yellowish hue that is most unattractive. A smoky environment can cause intense irritation to the eyes resulting in soreness, redness and puffiness. Giving up smoking and avoiding smoky atmospheres is one of the best things you can do to improve your appearance as well as your health.

If you can’t avoid smoke or any other eye irritant try washing out your eyes with a saline solution. Add a pinch of salt to some boiled and cooled water and use plenty of the solution to wash out the eyes. For tired or irritated eyes lie down and relax for 20 minutes or so with a cold, used, tea bag over each eye.

You only have to look at a person suffering from a hangover to see that excess alcohol does nothing for your appearance. In the short term it causes the eyes to be bloodshot and puffy with a sallow tone to the skin and the whites of the eyes. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption impairs liver function and it takes longer and longer for the liver to rid your system of damaging and toxic pollutants of all kinds.

Did you know that 75% of all adults are chronically dehydrated? Drink plenty of still water throughout the day. Don’t wait until you are thirsty because this will be too late. Avoid too much coffee, tea and alcohol as they all have a dehydrating effect. Adequate hydration has plenty of other health benefits but the improvement you will notice in your skin, especially around the delicate eye area, will be dramatic. The skin will be plumped up and fine lines smoothed away. Lymphatic drainage will be improved resulting in a reduction in the dark circles under your eyes and an improved skin tone and colour.

Finally but very importantly eat a balanced diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables and get plenty of sleep.