Vanilla Orange Sea Salt Body Scrub
The Ultimate Vanilla Orange Scrub for High-Altitude Skin
The reality of high-altitude living means dealing with thin air, low humidity, and intense UV rays. These conditions can pull the moisture from you skin and lead to itching, flaking, and a tight uncomfortable feeling.
To combat the alpine and high-desert dryness, I’ve found that daily lotion just isn't enough. You have to remove the barrier of dead, dry skin cells to let moisture in. That’s why I use this Vanilla Orange Sugar & Sea Salt Scrub. It’s a burst of citrus mountain sunshine in your shower that leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft and resilient against the elements.
Why This Recipe Works for High Altitude
Pink Himalayan Sea Salt: I specifically use Pink Himalayan salt because of how it was formed. The limited processing means it retains 80+ beneficial trace minerals. These minerals help deeply nourish skin that is wrecked by the harsh climate.
The Sugar/Salt Hybrid: At high altitude, our skin barrier can become sensitive and thin. By mixing in granulated sugar with the salt, we get a gentler exfoliation, while the salt provides the mineral punch.
Pro-Tip: If your skin is feeling particularly sensitive or wind-burned, you can leave the salt out entirely and use an equal amount of granulated sugar or even brown sugar for a softer touch.
Coconut Oil: This is our deep hydrator. Coconut Oil creates a protective lipid barrier that helps lock in water, keeping skin hydrated in dry climates.
How to Make Orange Vanilla Sea Salt Body Scrub
This recipe smells like a gourmet creamsicle and makes a fantastic gift for holidays, birthdays, holidays, or house-warming gift for new mountain arrivals!
Yields: Approx. 2 cups
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
1/2 cup finely ground Pink Himalayan sea salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil (virgin or fractionated)
7-8 drops orange essential oil
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl (a Pyrex glass measuring cup works great)
Fork
Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients: In your mixing bowl, combine the sugar and pink Himalayan sea salt. With a fork, whisk them together until the color is uniform.
Add the Carrier Oil:
If using fractionated coconut oil, simply pour it in.
If using virgin coconut oil, microwave it for about 25 seconds until it is a clear liquid. Pour it over your dry mixture.
Scent the Scrub: Add 7–8 drops of orange essential oil and 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The orange provides a refreshing Vitamin-C boost, while the vanilla adds a warm, comforting scent.
Stir Thoroughly: Mix everything together with a form. Make sure every grain of salt and sugar is thoroughly coated in the oils and extract.
Seal and Store: Scoop the scrub into a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Simply Altitude Tip: I prefer using clear plastic jars in the bathroom for safety.
How to Use
In the bath or shower, massage a small handful gently onto damp skin using circular motions. Focus on dry spots like elbows, knees, and heels which tend to be drier at altitude. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
Note for Mountain Dwellers: This scrub can make your skin more sensitive to the sun because it contains citrus oil, it If you’re heading straight to the slopes or the trail, make sure to apply your high-SPF sunscreen over your freshly exfoliated skin!
