HEALTH+FITNESS
SALT
By Abby Remer
Salt Martha’s Vineyard Medspa in Oak Bluffs inspires beauty with its robust array of stellar services and professional staff. Anne-Marie Bell opened the warm, comfortable, welcoming space, flooded with natural light, in 2023. She says, “My goal is to help clients protect, preserve, and rejuvenate. I think feeling youthful and confident each day boosts our self-esteem, and my aim is to keep the look natural. Our philosophy is ‘look as good as you Feel.”
Bell brings her professional medical experience as a family nurse practitioner and a specialist in wound, ostomy, and continence care to her passion for aesthetics. She shares, “I started in the role of aesthetics in 2019 with my first aesthetics course. I opened my own small aesthetic business in 2021 on the Island, growing to the current space in Oak Bluffs.”
There are about 10 facial options available from licensed estheticians. “It’s very individualized in terms of choosing what’s right for you,” Bell explains. “It might be selecting one because you want to glow at a wedding. Or you have acne so that you will focus on that. Or you might want a ‘look good, feel good’ facial.” Whatever it is, you’ll find the perfect fit.
For additional specialized skin care treatments, choices include dermaplaning, which targets the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. Dermaplaning helps exfoliate dead skin and remove peach fuzz, leaving beautiful, smooth skin that is ready to absorb skincare products and creating a youthful glow.
The “Clear and Brilliant” Laser by Solta has won numerous awards each year as the “no downtime” or “lunchtime” laser. It can be used year-round as long as strict sun protection is followed. Treatments and microchanneling help with cell turnover, pigment changes, and the rejuvenation of skin cells and collagen development at the dermal level.
“Microchanneling and lasering is telling your cells, ‘You need to change.’” Microchanneling is also used in hair restoration treatments. “Afterward, we use a special red-light therapy to promote cell growth and then apply a liquid we call the stem cell messenger exosomes.” These tiny nanoparticle messengers comm-unicate with skin cells to boost collagen, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. Bell describes how they work: “They are absorbed through the small pores created by microchanneling and help regenerate the hair follicles.”
In terms of injectables, there are several options for neuromodulators and fillers. “With neuromodulators, you’re essentially freezing the muscle, so it won’t create wrinkles or maintain what you have. The original was Botox®, but we offer six FDA-approved brand-name injections. We use very tiny needles that make the experience comfortable, even for those who fear them.” Dermal fillers are primarily hyaluronic acid, which is used for contouring and plumping. “We all have hyaluronic acid in our skin, but as we age, we lose it. That’s one of the reasons our face starts to fall. By putting filler into someone’s face, you’re adding that hyaluronic acid back.” Another biostimulator is Radiesse®. This has been quite popular of late because, in addition to delivering hyaluronic acid, Radiesse® helps the body create its own collagen.
SALT offers a comprehensive weight-loss program that begins with a thorough consultation, as do all their medical treatments. This includes reviewing a client’s medical history, allergies, and medications. They then lay out a plan for exercise and nutrition, and, if they qualify, medications, which Bell, a licensed nurse practitioner in Massachusetts, can prescribe. Bell says, “We are primarily using brand-name GLP-1s and GLP-1/GIP’s in prescription form as costs have dropped significantly. The patients are monitored and guided on correct dosing, how to overcome side effects, and how to maintain weight loss once goals are accomplished. Individual plans are developed, and clients do not feel rushed at their appointments. Clients also qualify for a contour light treatment, which shrinks fat cells.” Regarding the weight-loss program, Bell emphasizes, “We guide you and conduct follow-up visits with you, typically every few weeks to support your journey.”
Licensed personnel also perform medical evaluations before IV infusions and injections to support hydration, beauty, energy, immunity, and recovery from illness. SALT’s licensed massage therapist offers Swedish, deep tissue, and prenatal massage. They also have couples’ massages.
If you want to carry some of the self-care home with you, SALT sells a range of skincare products. “SkinMedica is our medical-grade product, meaning it’s FDA-approved and clinically studied,” Bell says. “Epicutus is a European line. I wanted something that was environmentally sound. We did a lot of research, and this is a very simple, three-step skincare regimen. You wash your face with an oil at night. In the morning, you apply a serum and moisturizer. I recommend that people always apply sunscreen as well. Then there is Osea, which is driven by elements from the ocean, so it’s quite natural.”
Bell is immensely proud of her staff, who embody professionalism: licensed estheticians, Abby Marchand and Heather Kochin; registered nurse Colleen Conroy; paramedic and nursing student Olivia Hart; Linsay Bumila-Coye NP-C, and licensed massage therapist Stacey Thomas. Altogether, the team offers many additional options in each category to meet each customer’s needs, preferences, and skin care goals.
SALT Martha’s Vineyard Medspa is located at: 21 Kennebec Ave, Condo 2, in Oak Bluffs, Call or book apointments online at saltspamv.com or 508-338-2966 or 207-604-4332 (text)