10 Foods That Heal Dry Winter Skin

Winter elements and daily routine changes can rob the skin of needed moisture and nutrients. People drink less water during the winter months, although our bodies need just as much as we do in the thirsty summer months. Indoor and automobile heaters tend to chap and irritate skin as well as heavy  clothing and dense, course fabrics.

This list of foods contain precious vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that protect and recover your skin from the elements. Vitamins A, C, D, E, and good fats plump and soften the skin cells.

1-Avocado

2-Oily Fish

(salmon, Sardines, Mackerel)

3-Coconut and Coconut Oil

4-Olives and Olive Oil

5-Leafy Greens

( Kale, Spinach, Collards)

6-Oatmeal

7-Orange Root Vegetables and Pumpkin

( winter squash, carrots, sweet potato)

8-Kiwi

9-Healthy Nuts 

( Walnuts, Almonds,)

10-Flax Seeds and Sunflower Seeds

Try working 4 or more of these foods into your daily diet during the cold winter months and you'll see and feel the difference in your skin. Also, try to using humidifiers at home, wearing soft breathable fabrics and washing your body with goat's milk soap or  gentle soap alternatives. We have great Facials at Urban Sanctuary to hydrate and replenish devitalized skin.Check our pricing, browse our service menus and shop our skin care and body products online.

6 Beauty Enhancing Foods

 Urban Sanctuary was voted Best Day Spa in Athens. 

The beauty and health enhancing benefits of eating a variety of fresh foods are plentiful. Many fruits, grains, protein rich foods, herbs and vegetables are known for providing a healthy dose of energy, brain power and immune system support. In addition to healthy fats, fiber and Vitamin C, many foods contain vitamins and minerals which help repair the body, boost circulation, hydrate your skin and relieve pain. You are probably eating many of these wonderful health and beauty enhancing foods already! Here are details about six of them:

1. Avocado - is rich in healthy fats that improve your skin's luster, your joint health and cause your hair to shine.
2. Yogurt - contains healthy strains of bacteria, which restores intestinal health and strengthens immunity. A healthy gut creates a radiant face, vibrant energy and clear eyes.
3. Strawberries - help prevent wrinkles and hair breakage. They are rich in nutrients and vitamins that strengthen hair, skin, teeth and nails. Also, strawberries can boost elimination.
4. Blueberries - soften the skin and help build collagen, in turn creating a youthful glow. They are great for stabilizing blood sugar levels and balancing metabolism.
5. Greens - leafy greens contain vitamins and nutrients such as beta carotene and Vitamin C, which help prevent sun damage and produce collagen to keep skin, teeth, and hair healthy, strong and beautiful.
6. Purple Foods - such as cabbage, beets, red onions and grapes, contain a flavonoid rich pigment which improves circulation, heals inflammation and detoxes the body, creating a vibrant beauty.

In addition to the foods named above, there are many others that enhance over-all beauty and health. Spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, cayenne pepper, curry and ginger are great for circulation, immunity and for healing inflammation. Regular doses of these spices will help maintain a glowing complexion and clear eyes.

Please call 706-613-3947 or write candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com to add to our list of beauty enhancing foods.

Urban Sanctuary is open 7 days a week in Athens, Georgia.

Foods That Boost Happiness

Urban Sanctuary won a Beautiful Business award in Athens, Georgia.

  Being in the "feel good" business, we often have the opportunity to recommend happiness enhancing foods and other terrific well-being practices to clients. Massage, Body Scrubs and Body Brushing have an incredibly uplifting effect on people, partly because of the resulting boost of endorphins and seratonin. Yoga, exercise and aromatherapy spike endorphin production as well. Endorphins and seratonin are known as the "feel good" hormones.They improve mood and decrease pain and stress levels for people. There are many foods and spices that have the capacity to improve your mood and overall happiness levels over time. Here are just a few:

• ARUGULA-nutrient dense with many nutrients and several that protect us from depression. High in magnesium, calcium, folate and fiber.
• GARLIC-influences the brain's regulation of serotonin, a happiness chemical. Garlic is very rich in chromium which protects the brain.
• RED POTATOES-can lower blood pressure and protect the brain with kukoamines. Potatoes are iodine and folate rich; both nutrients help prevent depression.
• BEETS-are a high Vitamin B source with betaine, a natural anti-depressant.
• CHILE PEPPERS-contain a fat-soluble molecule called capsaicin which causes rapid endorphin release in the brain.
• TOMATOES-help your brain produce important mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
• GRAPEFRUIT-contains essential oils that uplift mood and balance the nerves. Grapefruit is high in Vitamin C and good natural sugars.
• GINGER-is a natural aspirin impersonator, stomach soother and pain remedy. Fresh ginger releases endorphins and boosts energy.

Surveys show that regular trips to Urban Sanctuary for services improve overall happiness levels for many people. We've been voted Best Day Spa and Favorite Day Spa in Athens for 7 years in a row. Call us at 706-613-3947 or view our entire menu of services online.

Purchase Urban Sanctuary gift certificates online.