Aromatherapy Guide

The High-Altitude Aromatherapy Guide

Between the decreased humidity that saps moisture from your skin and the physical demands of living an elevated lifestyle, a standard skincare routine just won’t do.

Enter the therapeutic sea salt scrub. Combing the detoxifying power of salt with curated essential oils, aromatherapy can help you manage altitude-induced inflammation, soothe sore muscles and bring soothing relaxation. Grab your mixing bowl and ingredients; it’s time to bring the spa to the summit.

When mixing these blends, use a base of 1 cup of fine Sea Salt and 1/2 cup of Carrier Oil (like Jojoba or Sweet Almond oil, which are deeply hydrating for thin mountain air).

Stress Relief, Calming, and Sleep

High altitude can sometimes lead to increased cortisol. These blends can help ground the nervous system.

• The Alpine Lavender Field: 8 drops Lavender + 4 drops Clary Sage.

  • Why: Lavender is the ideal for relaxation, while Clary Sage helps balance hormones often affected by altitude changes.

• High Desert Grounding: 6 drops Sandalwood + 6 drops Bergamot.

  • Why: Bergamot provides a sunny citrus lift, while Sandalwood provides a grounding base.

Pain Management

Thinner air at elevation can lead to tension headaches and sore muscles after a day of skiing, hiking or gardening.

• The Summit Soother: 7 drops Peppermint + 5 drops Wintergreen.

  • Why: These oils provide a "cooling" sensation that distracts the brain from pain and relaxes tight muscle fibers.

• Deep Woods Relief: 8 drops Juniper Berry + 4 drops Black Pepper.

  • Why: Juniper is a traditional mountain remedy for joint pain, and Black Pepper oil increases local circulation to flush out lactic acid.

Reduce Inflammation

With increased UV exposure at high altitudes, you may experience skin and systemic inflammation.

• The Blue Peak Blend: 6 drops German Chamomile + 6 drops Frankincense.

  • Why: German Chamomile is incredibly anti-inflammatory (and gives the scrub a slight blue tint), while Frankincense promotes cellular repair.

• Golden Flora: 8 drops Helichrysum + 4 drops Geranium.

  • Why: Helichrysum is known for its ability to reduce skin irritation and swelling.

Boost Immunity

Colder temperatures and lower oxygen levels may put a strain on the immune system.

• Mountain Shield: 5 drops Eucalyptus + 4 drops Lemon + 3 drops Rosemary.

  • Why: This trio opens up the airways and provides antibacterial properties.

• The High-Vibe Spice: 6 drops Tea Tree + 4 drops Clove + 2 drops Cinnamon.

  • Why: A unique antiseptic blend that stimulates the lymphatic system and helps keeps seasonal bugs at bay.

Pro-Tips for the Simply Altitude Reader

• Hydration First: Always drink a glass of water before and after using a salt scrub. The salt draws out toxins, and at high altitude, you need to replenish fluids immediately.

• Sun Sensitivity: Be careful with citrus oils (Lemon, Bergamot) if you plan on hitting the slopes or trails right after. They can make your skin more sensitive to the intense high-altitude sun.

• Storage: Store your scrubs in glass jars. Essential oils can degrade plastic over time, especially in the fluctuating temperatures of mountain homes.

Essential Oil Safety & Dilution Chart

When mixing sea salt scrubs, balance is important. Using too much essential oil can cause skin irritation, especially in the dry, arid climate.

Dilution Guide for 1 Cup (8 oz) of Sea Salt Scrub

Golden Rules for Altitude Aromatherapy

• The Patch Test: Rub a amount on your inner forearm before completing a full body scrub . Wait 24 hours to ensure your skin has in not reactive.

• Photosensitivity Warning: UV rays are stronger at high altitude, and using Citrus scrubs like Lemon, Lime, and Bergamot can cause severe sunburn if your skin is exposed to the sun within 12 hours of use. These oils are best used in your nightly routine.

• Carrier Oil Importance: Always mix essential oils into your carrier oil (Coconut, Jojoba, or Almond), and never apply them directly to the skin. Mix essential oils and carrier oils together before adding the salt to ensures the scent is distributed evenly.

• Pregnancy & Medical Conditions: Consult with a healthcare provider if you have a chronic respiratory condition common at altitude (like asthma), are pregnant, nursing, or before using potent oils like Wintergreen or Clary Sage.

A Note on Salt Selection

For the best results at altitude, use Fine Grain Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt. Skin that is already dehydrated from lack of humidity, may be damaged by coarse salts which can create micro-tears .

SCENT GUIDE

Stress Relief, Calming and Sleep

• Lavender

• Lemon

• Bergamot

• Ylang Ylang

• Jasmine

• Frankincense

• Chamomile

Reduce Inflammation

• Eucalyptus

• Frankincense

• Lavender

• Evening primrose oil

• Ginger

• Turmeric

• Basil

Boost Immunity

• Lemon

• Eucalyptus

• Rosemary

• Tea Tree

• Clove

• Cinnamon

Pain Management

• Lavender

• Eucalyptus

• Chamomile

• Rosemary

• Ylang Ylang