Living in Glennallen, we know a thing or two about natural beauty. It’s right outside our doors in the towering Wrangell Mountains, the mighty Copper River, and the endless summer light. But after a long season of fishing, hauling firewood, or navigating our rugged roads, that ‘glow’ can sometimes feel more like windburn and tired muscles. That’s where the idea of a natural beauty spa comes in—not as a far-off luxury, but as a practice we can weave into our Glennallen lifestyle, using inspiration from our home and simple, effective rituals.
A natural beauty spa here isn't about fancy products shipped from thousands of miles away. It’s about harnessing the clean, powerful elements that surround us. Think of the rejuvenating steam of a home sauna (a Glennallen staple!) as your facial steam, opening pores with the pure humidity. Our long summer days provide vitamin D for natural vitality, while the dark winter nights are the perfect cue for deep restorative sleep—the ultimate beauty treatment. The first local tip? Look to the land. Infuse local alder or spruce tips (harvested sustainably, of course) into carrier oils like jojoba for a uniquely Alaskan massage or skin oil that connects you to this place.
Your practical home spa starts with adapting to our climate. The dry interior air calls for intense hydration. A simple, powerful tip: after washing your face, apply a pure, food-grade aloe vera gel or a high-quality oil like rosehip seed while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture. For a soothing body scrub, mix used coffee grounds with coconut oil and a drop of birch or evergreen essential oil for an invigorating, locally-inspired exfoliation. Remember, in Glennallen, self-care is also about community care. Swap recipes with a neighbor, or turn a spa night into a potluck with friends, sharing homemade treatments and stories. It’s how we thrive up here.
So, let’s redefine the spa day, Glennallen-style. This week, commit to one small ritual. It could be a ten-minute soak with Epsom salts to soothe those trail-weary legs, or simply stepping outside to take five deep breaths of that crisp, clean air, letting the mountain views calm your mind. Your natural beauty spa is all around you, rooted in the resilience and raw beauty of the Copper River Valley. Embrace it, and let your well-being reflect the stunning environment we are so lucky to call home.