With the leaves and the mercury falling fast, winter has well and truly arrived, which means it’s time to pep up our grey skin and indulge in some healthy living.

According to new research, the effects of the colder weather can make us look almost five years older, with the lack of sunlight responsible for making our under-eye bags look darker.

The clinical study by Adonia Organics found we also feel more tired in winter because the lower level of vitamin D we get from the sun reduces the production of the feel-good hormone serotonin.

Dr Mark Binette, an anti-ageing expert, told the Daily Telegraph: "More science is coming out linking the lack of vitamins D and K as one of the causes that plagues us with dark circles and puffy eyes; especially as it relates to fatigue and immune related issues.

"Lacking in vitamins D and K has a considerable negative effect on the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes and can age a woman by 4.7 years, putting over ten per cent on a woman’s age of 40. It might not be wrinkles or grey hair that ages you most, but dark circles under your eyes."

To tackle signs of premature ageing, individuals might find that nutritional supplements of Goji berries can provide the antioxidants needed to give skin a youthful glow.

Jane Druker, editor of Healthy magazine, explained that dark circles under the eyes are often a sign of dehydration, so it’s important to keep drinking plenty of water and herbal teas in the colder months.

"The recommendation is eight glasses per day and avoid alcohol. You should see an improvement quickly - within 48 hours," she said.

Natural beauty products could also camouflage tired-looking eyes, but be careful about applying creams and gels to the sensitive area, as the skin around the eyes is very delicate and thin.

"If I wake up with inflamed eyes I make a compress - either a cold chamomile tea bag or a cube of ice in a tissue, place it on my eyes for five minutes and voila! A brighter, soothed eye area," Ms Druker added.

Posted by Matilda Jones