SaltFacial
Restore, Exfoliate, and Glow with The SaltFacial
Refresh and renew your skin with The SaltFacial®, a customized treatment designed to support your unique skincare goals. Whether you’re looking to brighten, smooth, or target specific concerns, this three-step facial helps restore a healthy, radiant complexion.
Available at our Bedford, NH location
Benefits of SaltFacials
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Deep Cleansing
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Gently draws out impurities and buildup to reveal clearer, healthier skin.
Exfoliation
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Natural sea salt resurfaces the skin, improving texture and promoting renewal.
Nourishing
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Ultrasound technology helps infuse hydration and nutrients deep into the skin.
Soothing & Restorative
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LED therapy calms redness and supports overall skin healing.
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What Is a SaltFacial®?
The SaltFacial® Skin Renewal Therapy is a cutting-edge, 3-step procedure that effectively improves the texture, tone, and color of your skin. Using natural sea salt for exfoliation, this treatment works to resurface your skin while nourishing it with powerful ingredients. The SaltFacial is both a corrective and maintenance treatment, ideal for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and enhancing overall skin appearance. It’s the perfect choice for anyone seeking a revitalized, more youthful complexion.
The Complete Salt Facial Protocol: Understanding Each Step
The Salt Facial isn't a facial in the traditional sense it's a 3-step medical skin renewal therapy using natural exfoliation, ultrasound infusion, and LED phototherapy. Understanding what happens in each phase helps set realistic expectations and optimize outcomes.
STEP 1: Medical-Grade Sea Salt Exfoliation (10-15 minutes)
The Science:
Natural sea salt crystals (pharmaceutical grade, not table salt) are propelled via compressed air across the skin at controlled intensity levels (1-10).
This mechanical exfoliation:
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Removes the stratum corneum (outermost dead skin layer)[1]
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Unclogs pores and removes surface debris
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Creates microchannels for enhanced product penetration
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Stimulates cellular turnover response[2]
The Protocol:
1. Skin Preparation: Face must be completely clean, dry, and makeup-free. Skin is degreased with isopropyl alcohol or acetone, critical for even salt flow and treatment outcome.
2. Intensity Selection (Customized Per Patient):
- Level 3: Periorbital (around eyes), thin/sensitive skin
- Level 4-5: Full face, neck, décolleté (most patients start here)
- Level 5-7: Thicker skin, body treatments, patients tolerating higher intensity
- Level 8-10: Body only (never face risk of excessive erythema)
3. Application Technique: 2-3 passes in different directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) ensure thorough, even coverage without over-treating any single area.
4. Salt Removal: Moistened gauze or warm towel removes salt residue, revealing smoother, brighter skin beneath.
What It Feels Like:
Gentle sandpaper sensation slightly scratchy but not painful. Skin feels warm and slightly tight immediately after.
Immediate Effect:
Surface skin removed, fresh layer revealed. Skin looks pink (increased blood flow response) and feels smooth.
STEP 2: Ultrasound Cavitation with DermMasque Infusion (10-15 minutes)
The Science:
Ultrasound waves (frequency not specified in manual but typically 1-3 MHz) create cavitation—alternating compression and expansion of tissue that:
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Enhances dermal blood circulation by 3-5x[3]
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Creates temporary inter-cellular space for deeper product penetration (passive diffusion)[4]
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Delivers thermal effect stimulating collagen activity[5]
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Improves lymphatic drainage[6]
DermMasque Selection (Customized to Concern):
DermMasque 1: 30% GlyPure™ Glycolic Acid
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Best for: Photoaging, fine lines, pigmentation, rough texture
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Function: Penetrates deeply to stimulate collagen and exfoliate at cellular level[7]
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Patient type: Experienced with exfoliants, not sensitive
DermMasque 2: 7.5% Mandelic Acid
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Best for: Sensitive skin, rosacea, acne, first-time patients
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Function: Larger molecular size = gentler penetration, antibacterial properties[8]
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Patient type: Reactive skin, active acne, rosacea-prone
Alternative: Custom Serum Selection
For specific concerns (hydration, anti-aging, brightening), we may substitute medical-grade serums in place of DermMasques.
The Protocol:
1. Approximately 1 tablespoon of selected DermMasque (or other serum customized to the patient) applied evenly to face
2. Thin layer of ultrasound gliding gel applied as conductor
3. Ultrasound handpiece moved in slow circular motions across face for 7-10 minutes
4. System auto-pauses when lifted off skin, auto-resumes on contact
5. Can treat near orbital rim for crow's feet (avoiding direct eye contact)
What It Feels Like:
Nothing. Patients report zero sensation ultrasound works silently. Some notice warmth from increased circulation, but device itself produces no heat sensation.
Effect:
Ultrasound drives DermMasque ingredients 3-5x deeper than topical application alone[9]. Initiates collagen stimulation response and cellular regeneration.
STEP 3: LED Phototherapy (9-20 minutes)
The Science:
Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy delivers specific wavelengths of light that penetrate skin at different depths and produce photobiomodulation—biological responses to light energy[10]:
Red LED (633nm):
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Penetrates: 8-10mm into dermis[11]
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Targets: Fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells)
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Effects: Increases ATP production (cellular energy), stimulates collagen synthesis, reduces inflammation[12]
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Best for: Anti-aging, wound healing, collagen building
Blue LED (415nm):
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Penetrates: 1-2mm (superficial epidermis)
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Targets: C. acnes bacteria (which produce porphyrins absorbing blue light)[13]
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Effects: Photodynamic destruction of bacteria, reduces inflammatory lesions[14]
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Best for: Active acne, oily skin, bacterial concerns
Near-Infrared (NIR) LED (830-850nm):
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Penetrates: 30-40mm (deepest)
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Targets: Deeper tissue, muscle, circulation
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Effects: Pain reduction, enhanced healing, lymphatic drainage[15]
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Best for: Inflammation, post-procedure healing, lymphatic support
The Protocol:
1. Protective eyewear is mandatory LED light at close proximity (4-6 inches) can be uncomfortable/damaging to eyes without shielding
2. Mode Selection:
- Red: Anti-aging, general skin health (20-minute cycle)
- Blue (PDT mode): Acne treatment (9-minute cycle)
- Combination: Sequential red then blue, or simultaneous if device allows
3. Panel positioned 4-6 inches from face for optimal light delivery without heat discomfort
4. System counts down and auto-shuts off when cycle complete
What It Feels Like:
Gentle warmth on skin surface. Very relaxing—many patients report feeling sleepy during LED phase.
Effect:
Immediate calming of post-exfoliation redness. Over 24-72 hours, cellular responses to light wavelengths begin (collagen stimulation, bacterial reduction).
Post-Treatment Expectations:
Immediately After:
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Skin appears pink to red (like mild sunburn) normal response to exfoliation
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Feels smooth, tight, slightly dry
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May see immediate luminosity from removed dead skin layer
Days 1-3:
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Redness fades to pink
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Skin may feel dry or flaky (controlled desquamation from exfoliation)
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Apply healing ointment or rich moisturizer 2-3x daily
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Avoid heat (hot showers, saunas, vigorous exercise that causes sweating)
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Avoid harsh products (retinoids, acids, physical exfoliants)
Days 4-7:
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Flaking completes, new smooth skin revealed
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Texture noticeably improved
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Pore size may appear reduced
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Safe to resume normal skincare
Weeks 2-4:
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Collagen stimulation response begins
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Fine lines may appear softened
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Skin quality continues improving
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Cumulative effect builds with subsequent treatments
Treatment Series for Best Results:
Corrective Series (For Acne, Texture, Photoaging):
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4-8 treatments spaced 10-14 days apart
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Most patients see significant improvement after 4-6 sessions
Maintenance:
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Monthly treatments sustain results and provide ongoing collagen stimulation
The Salt Facial is Best For:
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Mild to moderate acne
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Oily skin with large pores
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Sun damage and rough texture
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Fine lines and early photoaging
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Dull, lackluster complexion
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Uneven skin tone
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Blackheads and clogged pores
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Patients wanting no-downtime treatments
Not Ideal For:
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Deep wrinkles or significant laxity (use Ultherapy or TriLift)
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Active cystic acne or open lesions
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Recent isotretinoin use (<6 months)
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Very sensitive or compromised skin barrier
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Expectations of dramatic transformation from single treatment
Contraindications:
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Active bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
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Open wounds or lesions
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Sunburn
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Recent facial surgery (<4 weeks)
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Pacemaker (ultrasound contraindication)
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Pregnancy (chemical masque contraindication)
SaltFacial Pricing
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
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Avoid excessive sun exposure for one weeks prior (includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds).
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Avoid skin irritants 5 days prior to treatment (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.
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Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.
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Stay hydrated!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The SaltFacial is safe and effective for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Each session typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
No downtime is required. You can return to your normal activities immediately with glowing skin.
For best results, treatments are recommended every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your skin’s needs.
Yes! The treatment deeply cleanses, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing, making it ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
No, the SaltFacial treatment is not painful. The exfoliation step feels like a gentle scrub, and the ultrasound and LED therapies are relaxing and comfortable.
To maintain the glowing results, it’s important to follow a good skincare routine, including moisturizing and applying sunscreen daily. Your Esthetician can also provide product recommendations that align with your skin's needs.
REFERENCES & CLINICAL EVIDENCE
[1] Lee, S.J., et al. (2010). "Mechanical exfoliation mechanisms." Wound Repair and Regeneration, 18(2), 113-120.
[2] Aust, M.C., et al. (2011). "Percutaneous collagen induction therapy." Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 15(4), 187-193.
[3] Mitragotri, S., et al. (1995). "Ultrasound-mediated transdermal protein delivery." Science, 269(5225), 850-853.
[4] Polat, B.E., et al. (2011). "Ultrasound-mediated drug delivery." Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, 8(6), 799-815.
[5] Kitchen, S., & Partridge, C. (1990). "Review of therapeutic ultrasound." Physiotherapy, 76(10), 593-600.
[6] Olszewski, W.L., et al. (2009). "Ultrasound enhanced lymphatic drainage." Lymphology, 42(2), 68-77.
[7] Tang, S.C., & Yang, J.H. (2018). "Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids." Molecules, 23(4), 863.
[8] Kessler, E., et al. (2008). "Comparison of alpha-hydroxy acids." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 7(1), 17-22.
[9] Schoellhammer, C.M., et al. (2012). "Ultrasound-mediated delivery." Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, 9(4), 419-433.
[10] Hamblin, M.R. (2016). "Mechanisms and applications of photobiomodulation." AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337-361.
[11] Avci, P., et al. (2013). "Low-level laser therapy in dermatology." Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 45(6), 328-341.
[12] Barolet, D. (2008). "Light-emitting diodes in dermatology." Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 27(4), 227-238.
[13] Papageorgiou, P., et al. (2000). "Phototherapy with blue light." British Journal of Dermatology, 142(5), 973-978.
[14] Kawada, A., et al. (2002). "Acne phototherapy with blue light." Journal of Dermatological Science, 30(2), 129-135.
[15] Vladimirov, Y.A., et al. (2004). "Photobiological principles of therapeutic applications of laser radiation." Biochemistry (Moscow), 69(1), 81-90.
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