BBL and Moxi Laser
If you’ve been thinking about laser treatments to address skin tone, texture, or early signs of aging, chances are you’ve come across the terms “BBL” and “Moxi.” At first glance, they may sound interchangeable - but they’re actually quite different in how they work, what they treat, and who they’re best suited for! At our downtown Bethesda medical spa, we often combine both BBL and Moxi laser treatments into a personalized plan based on your skin’s unique needs. Below, we’re breaking down exactly what each treatment does, who it’s for, and how to know which one might be right for your skin goals. Keep reading!
What is BBL?
BBL stands for BroadBand Light, and it’s one of the most advanced forms of IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy available. BBL uses bursts of light energy to gently heat the upper layers of skin, stimulating your body’s natural healing response and targeting common concerns like:
-Sun damage and age spots
-Redness and visible blood vessels
-Rosacea
-Uneven skin tone
-Acne and acne scars
-Early signs of aging
One of BBLs standout features is its ability to target pigment and vascular concerns with little downtime.. It’s a favorite among our patients looking to reverse sun damage, reduce redness, and give their skin a brighter, more even tone - especially on the face, neck, chest, and hands!
What is Moxi?
Moxi is a non-ablative fractional laser designed to treat early signs of aging and improve skin texture with minimal downtime. Unlike BBL, which targets pigment and redness, Moxi works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and cell turnover.
It’s especially effective for:
-Rough or uneven texture
-Fine lines
-Large pores
-Mild laxity
-Melasma and hyperpigmentation
-Preventative anti-aging for younger patients
Think of Moxi as your go-to laser for improving how your skin feels, while BBL is more focused on how your skin looks in terms of tone and color.
Who is BBL best for?
BBL is best suited for those with light to medium skin tones dealing with visible sun damage, discoloration, or redness. It’s also a good option if you want to improve the overall brightness and clarity of your skin with little downtime.
Many of our BBL patients are in their 30s, 40s, and beyond, looking to correct cumulative sun damage and maintain healthy, youthful skin. It’s also popular as a seasonal maintenance treatment - particularly post-summer or after a beach vacation with lots of sun exposure.
Who is Moxi best for?
Moxi is incredibly versatile, making it a great option for a wide range of patients! It’s especially popular with:
-Younger patients in their 20s and 30s looking to prevent signs of aging
-Patients with melasma or pigment-prone skin who want a gentler treatment
-Busy patients who want visible results with minimal social downtime
-Those new to lasers who want a light refresh without a more aggressive treatment
Moxi is safe for all skin tones and types, including darker complexions that might not be ideal candidates for BBL. It’s gentle enough for year-round use and can be tailored to your skin’s sensitivity level and recovery needs.
What are the benefits of BBL?
-Evens skin tone and brightens complexion
-Reduces brown spots, sun damage, and redness
-Non-invasive with little to no downtime
-Can be performed in under 30 minutes
-Long-term collagen stimulation with regular treatments
Many patients notice improvement after just one session, but a series of 3-4 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart provides the most dramatic and lasting results!
What are the benefits of Moxi?
-Improves skin texture, tone, and clarity
-Safe for all skin tones
-Minimal downtime
-Boosts collagen production for long-term results
-Effective preventative treatment for younger skin
With Moxi, you may experience some redness and rough texture for a day or two post-treatment, but it’s generally well-tolerated and easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Can you combine BBL and Moxi?
Yes - and we often do. BBL and Moxi make a powerful duo when used in tandem because they address different layers of the skin and different types of concerns!
BBL targets pigment and redness at the surface level, while Moxi works deeper to improve texture and stimulate collagen. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation without the need for more aggressive treatments or prolonged recovery time.
Many patients opt for a series of BBL and Moxi treatments in alternating sessions or as part of a single appointment, depending on their skin type and goals.
What is the treatment experience like?
Both BBL and Moxi treatments are performed by our expert Defy nurse practitioners. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
BBL Treatment:
-You’ll wear protective eyewear, and a cooling gel is applied to the skin
-Light pulses are delivered in quick bursts - most patients describe the sensation as a warm snap or rubber band flick
-There’s little downtime - just mild redness or darkening of pigmentation that flakes off over a few days.
Moxi Treatment:
-A numbing cream is applied beforehand for comfort
-The laser device glides across your skin with a warm, prickly sensation
-Post-treatment, you may feel sunburned and slightly rough for 1–2 days
-You’ll be given a gentle skincare routine and sun protection instructions to support healing
Which one is right for me?
The best way to decide between BBL and Moxi - or whether a combination of both is ideal - is to schedule a consultation! We’ll assess your skin type, current concerns, and long-term goals before recommending a custom treatment plan. Whether you're looking to undo the damage of years past or get ahead of the aging process, these two laser technologies offer real results with a gentle touch. We love seeing the confidence boost our clients feel after just a few sessions - and we’re here to guide you through every step!
Whether you're interested in filler, Botox/Dysport, collagen-boosting skin treatments, or want to learn more about our Defy Annual Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.