Moxi is all the rage right now, but what makes it so different from other resurfacing lasers? If you’re looking for a laser that’s both powerful and gentle, and best of all, causes NO dramatic downtime, then Moxi is for you.
So what does the Moxi laser do, exactly? It’s fantastic for treating fine lines and wrinkles, reducing the appearance of sunspots and mild acne scarring, evening out your complexion, and taking years off your face. Moxi works beneath the surface of your skin, kick-starting collagen and elastin production and renewing your cells without damaging the top layer of your skin.
If you’re new to how lasers work and the key differences between them, we’re about to cover all this and more in this quick Moxi guide. Let’s break it all down—how Moxi works, what to expect, and why it’s one of the most popular laser treatments around.
What is Moxi Laser?
Sciton’s Moxi laser is a non-ablative fractioned laser designed to improve your skin tone, texture, and appearance with little to no downtime. Sounds complicated? Let’s get some technical terms out of the way:
- Non-ablative. Moxi heats the water inside the deeper layers of the skin, leaving the top layer intact and less prone to peeling, which significantly improves recovery. As a result, you’ll experience little to no downtime.
- Fractioned. Moxi laser uses fractional energy, meaning it delivers controlled laser heat in a pattern of microscopic columns across the skin. This means that only a small percentage of your skin is directly treated, triggering a regeneration response.
- Resurfacing. Skin resurfacing is a treatment that removes or repairs the top layers of skin to improve its overall appearance and reduce signs of aging. It helps minimize fine lines, wrinkles, scars, pigmentation, and texture by stimulating collagen and promoting new skin growth. Some treatments remove the top layer, while others, like Moxi, work beneath the surface.
Moxi uses a 1927 nm diode laser, which heats water within skin cells to trigger fibroblast activity and the production of collagen and elastin. It’s considered a mid-level laser—strong enough to improve skin texture and tone but not as aggressive as fully ablative lasers. We prefer it because it’s the perfect mix of powerful and gentle.
Who Is Moxi For and What Does It Treat?
Moxi really is for everyone. While some laser treatments are limited to certain skin types and can make hyperpigmentation worse, Moxi is a safe, gentle option for a wide range of patients, regardless of skin tone or age.
If you need a more powerful laser to treat certain skin conditions, your provider will let you know. But if you’re looking for an anti-aging routine that’s super effective, yet gentle, Moxi is our go-to treatment for rejuvenated and refreshed skin. Here’s what it can do:
- Improves skin texture and glow
- Reduces signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin tone and minor skin laxity
- Reduces mild to moderate sun damage
- Helps target melasma
- Minimizes mild acne scarring
- Safe for all skin types
- Safe for other areas of the body (neck, chest, hands, arms)
One thing Moxi won’t do (or any other lasers for that matter) is improve significant skin sagging. While Moxi does help with skin tone and skin rejuvenation, if you have significant skin sagging and are looking for visible improvement, it’s best to consider other options.
The Moxi Treatment Process: What To Expect
A Moxi session is so quick and easy that it’s often called a lunchtime laser—it only takes about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish and requires almost no prep. Because Moxi uses a more gentle approach, you’ll need 3 to 4 treatments for best results.
Any laser treatment starts with a thorough cleansing of the skin. Next, your provider will apply a topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable (some patients choose to skip this step). Once the numbing agent kicks in, get your goggles on – you’re ready for your Moxi laser treatment which only takes 8 to 10 minutes.
Your provider will glide the Moxi handpiece glides across your face, delivering targeted laser energy to deep layers of the skin. There’s no sharp zapping—just a gentle rolling motion that most patients describe as a warm, tingling sensation.
Your skin will look a little red and feel warm immediately after, almost like a mild sunburn, but both the redness and warm sensation should subside quickly. Some people are more sensitive than others, but there’s usually no need to clear your schedule. This is why Moxi is considered to truly have no downtime at all.
Does Moxi Laser Hurt?
Gone are the days of dramatic laser recoveries – Moxi is non-invasive, comfortable, and well-tolerated by the vast majority of patients. It causes no burning and little to no stinging. Most people describe the sensations as warm and prickly, a little more intense in certain areas, but never unbearable.
Unlike more aggressive lasers, redness and warmth peak immediately after the session but don’t worsen over time. You can go about your day like nothing happened!
Downtime & Side Effects: What to Expect After Moxi
One of Moxi’s biggest advantages is its minimal downtime. Ablative lasers leave skin red, raw, and peeling for weeks, but Moxi allows you to return to normal activities almost immediately.
Here’s a timeline to put your mind at ease:
- Day 1: Expect a 2 to 8-hour downtime where you’ll experience redness and warmth
- Days 3-4: Your skin will start feeling rough and dry, almost like mild sandpaper
- Days 5-7: Expect mild peeling, dryness, and a temporary change in texture
- Day 8 and beyond: Enjoy your rejuvenated, glowy skin
Moxi triggers your skin to regenerate and heal from within, and therefore, some peeling and elimination are to be expected. The most noticeable effect of non-ablative lasers is MENDs (Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris), a thin top layer of dry skin that feels rough and has a sandpaper texture.
This means the treatment is working! Pigments are getting broken down and expelled and all that extra collagen and elastin are rejuvenating and firming your skin. Dryness and tightness and temporary and completely normal.
MENDs will flake off gradually over a few days, but the process is subtle and not something others will notice. Keeping up with a hydrating skincare routine will help minimize discomfort and support the healing process.
Moxi Aftercare & Maintenance
Caring for your skin after a Moxi treatment is simple. Your main focus should be on keeping your skin calm, hydrated, and protected while it heals. It’s best to stick to gentle skincare—a hydrating cleanser and a rich moisturizer will help soothe any dryness.
Avoid harsh products like scrubs or exfoliants and let your skin exfoliate naturally. Hold off on retinol for at least a week, as your skin will be more sensitive during this time.
Sunscreen is absolutely non-negotiable. Wear SPF 30 or higher daily and try to stay out of direct sunlight – although Moxi is not as strict about sun exposure as other lasers.
You can still exercise, but it’s best to avoid intense workouts for 24 to 48 hours since sweating and heat can irritate your skin. You can even wear mineral makeup after 24 hours, though most patients find they don’t need it – their skin already has a beautiful glow as it heals.
When Will You See Results?
Since Moxi regenerates your skin from within, results don’t happen instantly. Collagen production takes time, but don’t worry—you’ll start seeing improvements soon, and they’ll only get better over time.
First visible improvements (5 to 7 days): You’ll notice your skin starting to look smoother, brighter, and more even as the tiny MENDs begin to flake off. Redness will subside within the first 24 hours, and any dryness will resolve within a week, revealing your newly refreshed skin.
Full results: The biggest changes happen gradually over the next 3 to 6 months as collagen and elastin work their magic deep within the skin. Your texture will continue to refine, fine lines will soften, and pigmentation and skin tone will improve. This is why patience is key—Moxi’s effects continue to enhance your skin well after the treatment is done.
How long do results last? Moxi laser effects and a good skincare routine go hand in hand. Expect to enjoy the Moxi glow for at least 3 to 4 months, and closer to 6 months if you’ve been taking excellent care of your skin.
How many sessions do you need? While you’ll see some improvement after just one Moxi session, we typically recommend a series of three to six treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Moxi is a gentle treatment, so multiple sessions will give you optimal results. Maintenance sessions help extend your results, and many patients opt for quarterly treatments to keep their skin in top shape.
Moxi vs. Other Laser Treatments: How Does it Compare?
With so many laser treatments available, you’re probably wondering how Moxi stacks up against other popular options. All laser treatments improve the skin, and different providers have their own preferences. The key differences lie in laser intensity, downtime, and the types of skin concerns they treat best. Here’s how Moxi compares to other options like Laser Genesis, Clear+Brilliant, Fraxel, and even IPL.
So, Is Moxi Laser Right For You?
Moxi has been a game-changer for people who want real results without the downtime of traditional lasers. It’s versatile enough for all skin types, gentle enough to fit into a busy lifestyle, and powerful enough to deliver visible improvements over time.
If you’re ready to refresh and refine your skin without putting your life on hold, Moxi might be exactly what you’re looking for. The Luxe Room offers expert Moxi treatments tailored to your unique skin needs—book a consultation today and discover what Moxi can do for you.
