MOXI Laser

What is Moxi?

Moxi is a gentle laser, designed to revitalize and refresh skin appearance by addressing signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation, sun damage, melasma, uneven tone and texture, scars, and enlarged pores.  It is also the premier treatment for “prejuvenation”—a proactive approach for maintaining youthful skin and delaying aging.

Moxi polishes the skin by rapidly increasing cellular turnover to help shed damaged, pigmented skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother, more youthful complexion.  It also stimulates the production of our body’s elastin and collagen (which we lose about 1% every year after our mid-20s).

Moxi is suitable for all skin tones and can be used year-round.  Typically, a series of three sessions is recommended for optimal results, and when appropriate, is combined with BBL or HALO for enhanced effects.

How Does Moxi Work?

Moxi is a fractionated, non-ablative laser that operates at a wavelength of 1927 nm.

To better understand how Moxi works, it is important to differentiate between ablative and non-ablative lasers as well as non-fractionated and fractionated lasers.

Ablative lasers, such as Erbium (2940nm), function by removing thin layers of the skin’s surface (epidermis) while heating the deeper layer (dermis) to encourage new cell growth and collagen production. While effective for more severe skin concerns, ablative treatments often require more downtime.

In contrast, Moxi is non-ablative, delivering heat to deeper layers of the skin without causing damage to the surface. The 1927nm wavelength’s strong affinity for water enables us to achieve many of the benefits of ablative lasers but with minimal downtime and fewer side effects.

Lasers can also be divided into fractionated and non-fractionated categories. Non-fractionated lasers emit a continuous beam that covers the entire treatment area, whereas fractionated lasers, like Moxi, use microscopic beams that treat small portions of skin while leaving surrounding areas untouched. This targeted approach accelerates healing and enhances precision.

Moxi Laser Pre-Care

While Moxi is suitable for all skin types, and can be performed year-round, it is important to minimize sun exposure, and avoid tanning beds, self-tanners, and spray tans both before the procedure. Avoid any skincare products that may cause irritation or sensitivity such as retinoids/retinols, and exfoliants the week prior to your treatment.  If you have a history of cold sores, please inform us as we will prescribe a preventative antiviral treatment.  Laser treatments are not recommended if you have used Accutane within the past six months.

To maximize treatment outcomes and minimize downtime, we recommend that patients begin applying Alastin® Regenerating Skin Nectar twice a day for two weeks prior to treatment and continue its use afterwards. Alastin prepares the skin by clearing out damaged collagen and elastin, allowing for better absorption of the laser energy and optimal results.  Alastin Nectar can also minimize downtime and redness due to its skin-soothing properties and ability to support new collagen production.

What to Expect During a Moxi Treatment

At the beginning of your appointment, you will be asked to cleanse your face thoroughly.  We will then apply a numbing cream, allowing it to sit for approximately 20 minutes to maximize comfort during the session. We also offer Pro-Nox, a self-administered nitrous oxide system, as an option for those seeking further relief from discomfort or anxiety.

Once the treatment begins, you will be given protective eyewear and asked to recline. We will then make multiple passes over the targeted areas using the Moxi laser. As the laser pulses, you may feel increasing warmth. The level of discomfort varies based on the specific treatment, personal tolerance, and individual anatomy—ranging from a mild to moderate warming sensation.  Moxi treatments themselves typically take less than 10 minutes but can vary depending on the number and size of the treated areas.  After the procedure, we will apply a cooling mask, which offers immediate relief and hydration to the skin.

What to Expect After a Moxi Treatment

While the recovery process varies and is dependent on the treatment intensity received, the treated areas feel moderately warm for 1-2 hours after the treatment.  A light mist of mineral water or hypochlorous acid can provide soothing relief and hydration.  Once the heat has subsided, there should be no discomfort for the remainder of your recovery.  Noticeable swelling usually resolves by the third to fourth day.

Redness is an expected reaction following a Moxi laser session, often peaking at day two to three. Depending on skin sensitivity and treatment intensity, redness may persist slightly longer in certain individuals.  While most patients find that tinted sunscreen provides sufficient coverage, makeup can be worn 24 hours after treatment if additional coverage is desired.

Around the second or third day post-treatment, small dark spots and a bronzed appearance may develop on the treated skin—these spots are known as Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris (MENDs). This process is a natural part of healing, as treated skin cells shed and are replaced by fresh, new skin. During this phase, the skin may feel dry and rough, before peeling away to reveal fresh, radiant skin. Avoid picking, scrubbing, or exfoliating the skin, as doing so can damage healthy tissue and hinder the healing process.






All images courtesy of Sciton.

Post-Treatment Care for Moxi Laser

There is minimal post-care involved, varying by treatment intensity. For most patients, post-care consists of a simple skincare routine involving:

• Gently cleanse your face twice daily using only your hands, lukewarm water, and a gentle cleanser such as our Gentle Cleanser, Cetaphil, or CeraVe.
• Apply Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar after cleansing to enhance results and minimize downtime. If needed, an additional moisturizer can be applied.
• Apply a mineral sunscreen 15 minutes prior to sun exposure
• Do not use products not specifically recommended by our office, including retinols, abrasive products, serums or creams.

Moxi is an effective yet gentle laser treatment that not only reduces visible signs of aging but also improves skin texture and evens out tone at a deeper level. Whether you are looking to maintain youthful skin or address specific concerns, Moxi offers a customized approach to skin rejuvenation. By following the recommended pre- and post-treatment care, you can optimize your results and take charge of your skincare journey.

Ready to see the benefits for yourself? Book your Moxi laser session in New York today by calling 212-737-9090. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you achieve your skincare goals.






All images courtesy of Sciton.

Pairing MOXI with BBL HERO or HALO

An added benefit of MOXI is that it can be combined with any of the other laser modalities in our office—and it often is. Combining or “stacking” modalities allows us to treat a wider variety of skin concerns with a single treatment to improve the results. MOXI, HALO, and BBL all target pigmentation at different depths within the skin and can all be combined in a single treatment. MOXI is often combined with BBL HERO to treat hyperpigmentation lying in the middle and uppermost layers of the skin as well as a variety of other skin conditions without any significant change in downtime. MOXI is often combined with HALO to treat more advanced signs of aging and textural concerns as well as deeper sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

BBL, MOXI, and HALO—Which One is Right for You?