Protecting Your Peepers This Summer

As the days heat up, so do our bodies. We sweat more easily to stay cool. We drink more water to stay hydrated. We rest more. We wear sunscreen.

 

But how do we protect our precious peepers in the hot, sometimes humid weather?

 

So easily…and naturally as well!

 

Cool as a Cucumber

Cucumber cools and relaxes eyes because of its rich water content. Keep a cucumber in the refrigerator all the time and when you feel the need to refresh your eyes, simply cut two slices and place one on each eye. Relax with the cool slices on your eyes for about 15 min and viola! You feel refreshed and completely “chill.”               

 

Refresh with Tea Bags

Did you know that used tea bags can come in handy in reducing the dark circles under your eyes? Instead of ditching your used tea bags, simply rinse them and place in the freezer. Here’s the best part. Lie down and place the cold tea bags over closed eyes for about 10-15 minutes. The astringent compounds in the tea, along with minerals and vitamins will help relax your eyes and diminish the look of under-eye dark circles and puffiness.

 

One Potato, Two Potato

To relax and freshen your eyes, place a slice of raw potato on closed eyes. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes. Wash with tepid to warm water and apply a good under-eye cream. You will look and feel like new!

 

Spoon with Your Eyes

It doesn’t get easier than this remedy to reduce under-eye puffiness. Place a spoon in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. Remove it and place it over the eyes. Hold it there before the spoon is warm again. In the time it takes for the spoon to warm, you will look like you’ve taken to napping!

 

Gently Cleanse

Almond oil is a most effective and gentle ingredient to remove eye-makeup and mascara. While it gently cleans, it provides nourishment towards the under eye area, helping the delicate skin around the eye to stay soft and supple. Some experts contend that almond oil can help to increase eyelash length and density. How cool would that be? Now, I know almond oil is expensive, but think of all the money you spend on chemical make-up removers. Why not do something yummy for your skin?

 

Oh, and while we’re at it, never ever…ever go to bed without washing off make-up…on the eyes and on the skin. Your skin needs to breathe and recharge and cleaning it well before sleep allows it to rejuvenate while you rest. Cleanse and use a natural oil or night cream to have glowing skin in the morning.

 

Shades

We all know that sunscreen is our friend, but make sure you’re protecting your eyes as well. With more time spent lovin’ the outdoors, it’s important that our eyes are shaded.

 

I always recommend 100% UV protection sunglasses and the good news is that these lenses come in all shapes and sizes…and price ranges! So let your inner fashionista out and grab shades that show off your personality while protecting your peepers.

 

Many people also recommend hats to keep the eyes shaded and the head protected from the intensity of the sun. I’m not much for hats, but I do take advantage of the shady spots when I am at the beach or at an outdoor party.

 

Don’t Be Silly…

We’ll all be spending more time outside these next weeks, enjoying sports, yard work, gardening, parties and picnics. There will be fireworks, hot grills, lawn mowers and weed whackers; hammers, hoses, nails, saws and garden tools. See where this is going?

 

Be the smart and lovely person I know you are and take care of yourself and your eyes when you’re playing or working outside. Our mothers were right when they yelled, “Be careful. You’ll put your eye out.”

 

Play nice; have fun and stay safe. And post a pic of you in your favorite shades!