Moxi™ vs BBL®: Which Laser Treatment is Right for You?

If you’re researching ways to brighten or rejuvenate your skin, you’ve come across two of the industry’s most popular options: BBL® HERO™ (BroadBand Light) and Moxi™. They’re popular choices for anyone seeking healthier-looking skin without surgery. Although these treatments are often mentioned together, they’re actually very different.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the difference between Moxi vs BBL, their expected results, downtime, and safety.

Moxi vs BBL Laser: Key Differences You Should Know

Choosing the right device starts with understanding how they differ. Although they’re often discussed together, both were created for different skin needs. Below is a clear comparison between Moxi vs BBL HERO:

BBL HERO:
• Targets pigment, redness, rosacea, sun spots
• Improves overall brightness
• Works within the upper layers of the skin to correct pigment and redness
• Light-based (IPL) technology
• Minimal downtime, but mild redness is normal

Moxi:
• Targets texture, dullness, and early aging
• Stimulates collagen at a deeper level
• Fractionated, non-ablative laser
• Creates microchannels to renew skin
• Great for “prejuvenation” and maintenance

What Skin Concerns Do BBL and Moxi Lasers Treat?

BBL laser is typically recommended for people struggling with:

• Sun damage
• Freckles
• Age spots
• Redness
• Rosacea
• Broken capillaries
• Uneven skin tone
• Dullness or lack of clarity

Moxi is ideal for people who want to:

• Smooth texture and roughness
• Minimize early lines
• Improve tone and vibrancy
• Shrink the appearance of pores
• Address pigment in deeper skin tones
• Maintain youthful-looking skin
• Correct mild to moderate photodamage

How BBL and Moxi Work

Knowing the science behind these treatments makes it easier to see why one may be better suited for your specific skin concerns:

How BBL Works: Broadband Light Therapy

BBL uses high-intensity pulses of light that penetrate the upper dermis. The energy is absorbed by chromophores, targets like pigment, hemoglobin (blood vessels), or melanin, depending on the wavelength used.

Once absorbed, the light converts to heat, breaking down unwanted pigment or shrinking visible vessels. Over time, the body naturally eliminates these particles. Many providers also use BBL to stimulate collagen production through gentle heating, softening fine lines and giving the skin a smoother look.

At Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic, we use Sciton’s BBL® HERO™ system, which is the newest generation of BroadBand Light technology. It delivers faster pulses, better pigment correction, and even results compared to traditional IPL or older BBL devices.

How Moxi Works: Fractional Laser Rejuvenation

Moxi operates very differently from BBL. Instead of using light energy, it uses laser energy to create microscopic treatment zones across the skin. These tiny injuries trigger the body’s wound-healing response and stimulate collagen.

The fractionated pattern means only a portion of the skin is treated at a time, allowing for faster recovery. Depending on the intensity chosen, the downtime can range from mild redness to a few days of roughness or “peppery” texture.

Looking to improve texture, reduce fine lines, or rejuvenate your skin? Learn more about our laser skin resurfacing treatments to see if it’s right for you

What Results Can You Expect from Both?

While both BBL and Moxi lasers aim to improve skin tone and texture, the type of results, downtime, and improvements can vary:

BBL Laser

Most people notice brighter and more even-toned skin after their first BBL session. The initial pigment correction is often visible within days, and redness from rosacea or small vessels can improve quickly.

Long-term results include:

• A more uniform complexion
• Fewer visible sunspots
• Reduced redness
• Increased skin vibrancy
• Gradual collagen stimulation with repeated treatments

Many people choose to schedule BBL treatments seasonally or a few times per year for maintenance. If you’re ready for radiant skin, you can book your BBL HERO treatment with our team in Powell, Ohio.

Moxi Laser

As Moxi works at the deeper layers of skin, results appear more gradually. After your session, your skin may feel rough for a few days as it exfoliates. Over weeks, the skin continues to renew itself, giving you:

• A smoother complexion
• Brighter skin
• Reduced texture
• Improved elasticity
• Softened fine lines

Most patients see best results after a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. If you’re ready to refresh your complexion, you can schedule a Moxi laser treatment in Powell, Ohio, and get personalized recommendations.

Expected Downtime You May Encounter

BBL is considered a low-downtime photofacial. After treatment, you might experience:

• Redness (similar to a mild sunburn)
• Warmth
• Mild swelling
• Darkening of pigment spots

These effects are completely normal and typically resolve within hours to a few days. 

Moxi also has minimal downtime, though recovery looks slightly different from BBL. After your session, you may experience:

• Redness
• Rough, textured skin
• A “peppery” appearance
• Dryness
• A sandpaper-like feel for 3–5 days

As the skin sheds, new, refreshed skin appears underneath. Makeup is usually safe to apply after 24 hours (always follow your provider’s instructions).

Which Treatment Hurts More?

Most people find both BBL and Moxi very tolerable. The experience varies depending on the settings used, your sensitivity, and whether numbing cream is applied.

BBL feels like quick, warm snaps against the skin. No numbing is typically required. Moxi, on the other hand, feels more intense, especially at higher settings. This is due to the creation of microchannels in the skin. Providers often use topical numbing to increase comfort.

BBL vs. Moxi: Which One Should You Choose?

If your main concern is pigmentation, redness, or sun damage, BBL is the stronger choice.

If your biggest complaint is texture, dullness, pores, or early signs of aging, Moxi is better suited.

For a more comprehensive approach, many patients choose a combination plan, using BBL for discoloration and Moxi for deeper rejuvenation.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

The ideal number of treatments depends on your skin concerns and desired results.

BBL: Typically 3–5 sessions spaced weeks apart, with maintenance 1–3 times per year.

Moxi: Often 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, then maintenance once or twice a year.

Conclusion

Choosing between Moxi vs BBL lasers ultimately comes down to your specific skin concerns, goals, and lifestyle. BBL is ideal for targeting pigmentation, redness, and sun damage with minimal downtime, while Moxi excels at addressing early signs of aging, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation.

Not sure which treatment is best for your skin? Schedule a personalized laser consultation with our team at Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic. We’ll help you create a plan that fits your goals and leaves your skin looking its absolute best.

 

Frequently Asked Questions