When someone looks at you, chances are the first thing that they'll notice are your eyes. Because of this, it's important that you keep your eyes young and fresh looking -- first impressions are everything, right?

Having youthful eyes is not just about how you look but the health of your eyes and the skin the surrounds them. Our eyes, unlike other areas of our body, have less layers of skin and much more susptible to damage, wrinkling, puffiness, and sagging. And as we age, the appearance of all these conditions only seem to worsen. But, we can treat and prvent this from happening.

To keep your eyes younger, more softer, follow these 5 steps to keeping your eyes in the best shape.

Handle with Care

Treating your eyes should be done gently. Do not use your index finger to apply make or lotion, instead try a dry make up sponge, or your ring finger. Changing the finger you use to apply changes the amount of pressure that you apply to the skin around your eyes.

Never rub, tug, or stretch the skin around your eyes. As we age, our body produces less collagen and loses elasticity. By mistreating your eyes now you'll encourage the signs of aging around your eye.

Be gentle! It's your best prevention guide.

Protect

Sun damage should be something you think about to your entire body but even more so to the skin around your eyes. UV rays from the sun can be harmful to your skin as it'll promote the loss of elasticity and damages collagen fibers.

Always step out with sunglasses on. And layer on the protection by purchasing sunscreen made specific to protect the thin skin around your eyes. When possible, avoid going outside during the most harmful time of the day -- 10am to 3pm when the sun is at its worst.

Wash Before Bed

The day lends itself well to dirt, bacteria, pollution, and other elements that are harmful to our skin.

Clean up before bedtime by using a makeup remover that is specificed for your skin type and a second makeup remover that is specifically formulated for use around your eyes. Remember, treating the skin around your eyes differently than the rest of your face is vital to long-lasting youthful face.

Moisturize

Everyone should moisturize their face at least once per day. Women who wear makeup should do so before applying their makeup and after removing their makeup. For your eyes, purchase an eye cream that will keep the skin around your eyes hydrated, smoother, and wrinkle free.

If you experience discoloration around your eyes or bags, look for an eye cream that will also help remove some of this wear to your eyes.

Protecting your eyes for long-lasting youthful look is part of good health. With just a couple of extra minutes per day to pay attention to your eyes, you'll be thanking yourself as the years wear on and your face remains just as beautiful as it was when you were a teenager.