What Is MOXI?
MOXI is a gentle laser that helps improve sun damage, uneven pigmentation, early signs of aging, and rough skin texture, all with minimal downtime. This non-ablative laser is a good choice if you want a treatment that works well with your current skincare routine. It gradually refreshes your complexion while keeping your skin’s natural look and feel.
MOXI laser delivers controlled energy without removing the whole skin surface. It provides light resurfacing for younger people with early skin changes and for those who want maintenance between stronger treatments.
MOXI at a Glance
- Best for: Uneven skin tone, superficial sun damage, dullness, early fine lines, and uneven texture
- Treatment type: Non-ablative, 1927 nm fractional laser
- Areas: Face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and other selected areas
- Sensation: Warmth and prickling similar to a mild sunburn
- Downtime: Usually one day of redness and several days of dry, rough texture
- Appointment length: About 45 to 60 minutes with preparation and numbing
- Visible results: Commonly within five to seven days
- Treatment series: Often three or four sessions spaced four to five weeks apart
What Can MOXI Be Used to Treat?
MOXI targets the top layers of your skin. Your provider can adjust the intensity to match your skin and the area being treated.
A MOXI treatment may improve:
- Uneven skin tone and blotchy pigmentation
- Signs of sun damage and aging
- Dull skin and uneven texture
- Early fine lines
- Enlarged-looking pores
- Brown spots and mild post-acne discoloration
- Texture on the face, neck, chest, and hands
MOXI can improve mild discoloration and surface irregularities, but it doesn’t remove deep wrinkles or acne scars that are attached to deeper layers. For those issues, HALO TRIBRID, microneedling, or stronger lasers may work better.
How Does MOXI Work?
The MOXI device uses non-ablative laser energy at a wavelength of 1927 nm. It targets water in the skin and creates tiny treatment zones. The healthy skin between these areas helps your body heal naturally.
After treatment, the affected skin cells rise to the surface as small dark dots called MENDs. These naturally exfoliate as your skin renews, revealing a clearer and more even tone.
This process can help your skin produce more collagen, though changes happen gradually. The first thing you may notice is a healthy glow and smoother texture.
What Are the Benefits of MOXI?
MOXI treats early skin changes without the long recovery time of stronger lasers. The intensity can be adjusted for your first session, a series of treatments, or ongoing maintenance.
Benefits may include:
- Brighter, more even-looking skin
- Smoother skin texture and a radiant glow
- Softer early lines
- A refined appearance to visible pores
- Short appointments and minimal social downtime
- Customizable treatment-series planning
- Easy integration into a skincare regimen
Many people choose MOXI because it offers more than professional skincare but is less intense than aggressive treatments. It helps you achieve a glowing, clear complexion.
Am I a Candidate for MOXI?
Good Candidates
MOXI may be right for you if you have early signs of aging, mild pigmentation, uneven texture, or visible sun damage. It can also help prevent deeper skin changes from developing.
MOXI is suitable for many skin types, including darker tones, because it mainly targets water in the skin, not melanin. Your provider will still review your pigment history, current products, and recent sun exposure.
Who Is Not a Good Fit?
Treatment may need to be delayed if you have an infection, open wound, sunburn, recent tan, cold sore, or skin flare-up. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking certain medications, or have healing or scarring issues, talk with your provider.
If you have melasma, extra care is needed since heat can make it worse. Your provider will help decide if MOXI or another treatment is safer for you.
How Should I Prepare for MOXI?
- Avoid tanning and prolonged sun exposure before your appointment.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently.
- Follow instructions about pausing retinoids, acids, scrubs, or strong acne products.
- Report medications, recent procedures, and cold sores.
- Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup.
- Allow several days for roughness to resolve before an event.
What Is a MOXI Appointment Like?
Your provider will examine and clean the area to be treated, then set up the laser. A numbing cream may be applied for 30 to 45 minutes, and you’ll wear protective eyewear.
The provider moves the laser device across your skin in a careful pattern. Treating the whole face usually takes eight to ten minutes of laser time. Most people feel warmth or a prickling sensation. Cooling and numbing help keep you comfortable.
After the treatment, your skin is cooled and protected, and your provider will go over aftercare instructions with you.
Recovery After MOXI
Immediate and Social Downtime
Redness, warmth, and mild swelling are normal after treatment. Most people can go back to their usual activities the next day, though their skin may feel dry or rough for three to five days.
You may see small dark dots before they exfoliate. Avoid picking at them. You can usually wear makeup after 24 hours, once your skin is calm and healed.
For one day after treatment, avoid heavy exercise, saunas, steam, and too much heat. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen. Wait to restart retinoids, exfoliants, or strong products until your skin has recovered.
When Will I See MOXI Results?
- Same day: The skin is usually pink and warm.
- Days two through four: MENDs darken, and the surface may feel dry or rough.
- Around one week: The roughness begins to clear, revealing refreshed-looking skin.
- Around two weeks: Tone and texture may appear smoother and more even.
- After the final session: Results become more consistent across the treatment area.
One treatment can give your skin a healthy glow, but a series of sessions works better for pigmentation and long-term damage.
How Long Do MOXI Results Last?
Results can last for several months, but aging and sun exposure will still affect your skin. Using sunscreen every day and following a regular skincare routine help maintain your results. Some people come back once or a few times a year.
How Many MOXI Sessions Will I Need?
A typical plan includes three to four sessions, spaced four to five weeks apart. Mild issues may improve with one treatment, but more noticeable pigmentation or texture usually needs a series.
How Much Does MOXI Cost in Chicago?
In the Chicago area, a full-face MOXI treatment usually costs about $500 to $800. Packages of three sessions are often priced between $1,600 and $1,900. Treating extra areas like the neck, chest, or hands will increase the total cost.
These prices are estimates for the local market, not a specific quote. Your total cost depends on the areas treated, intensity, number of sessions, packages, and any combined treatments. You’ll get an exact price during your consultation.
MOXI vs. HALO TRIBRID and Other Options
MOXI is best for light resurfacing, early sun damage, and maintenance. HALO TRIBRID uses three wavelengths to treat surface damage, deeper texture issues, wrinkles, and acne scars. It provides stronger results but requires more downtime.
BBL targets brown spots, redness, and vessels. SkinPen microneedling encourages collagen remodeling and may suit certain acne scars. Treatments can be combined or sequenced when concerns overlap.
Why Choose Michael Horn Plastic Surgery & Med Spa?
Our Chicago practice, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Michael Horn, MD, offers a range of laser and skin rejuvenation options. Our team chooses the best treatment based on your skin and goals.
We consider your skin type, pigment history, current skincare routine, downtime needs, and what you want to achieve. If another treatment is a better fit, we’ll explain the reasons and options.
Schedule a MOXI Consultation in Chicago
If you’re noticing uneven tone, sun damage, or rough texture that home care can’t fix, MOXI could be your next step. Schedule a consultation in Chicago for a plan tailored to your skin.
MOXI FAQs
MOXI can be used on darker skin tones because it mainly targets water in the skin. Safe treatment still depends on careful selection, gentle settings, pigment history, and recent sun exposure.
Most people feel warmth and a prickling sensation during treatment. Numbing cream and cooling help make the process comfortable, though how it feels can vary depending on the session.
MOXI can help with mild discoloration and surface texture. Deep acne scars usually need a stronger resurfacing or collagen-boosting treatment.
You can have MOXI treatments any time of year if you avoid tanning and protect your skin. If your skin is sunburned or recently tanned, it’s best to wait before treatment.
MOXI offers gentle, non-ablative renewal for early pigment and texture issues. HALO TRIBRID uses three wavelengths for deeper resurfacing and usually requires more downtime.
