After a summer (or a lifetime) of sunshine, it’s common to notice new freckles, brown spots, redness, or just a dullness that wasn’t there before. These are all signs of sun damage and while sunscreen and skincare help prevent more from appearing, once UV damage has settled into your skin, it takes a little more to correct it. At our downtown Bethesda medical spa, two of our favorite (and most effective!) treatments for reversing sun damage are BBL (BroadBand Light) and Moxi laser. Together, they can dramatically improve skin tone, texture, and brightness without surgery and with minimal downtime.

So, let’s break down what these treatments do, who they’re for, and how they work to bring back a clear, even, healthy glow. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know!

Understanding Sun Damage:

Obvious sun damage doesn’t always show up right away. In fact, studies show that up to 90% of visible skin aging is caused by cumulative UV exposure, not genetics or time alone. Every hour in the sun adds up, and over the years, that damage becomes more noticeable. This is also a great reminder why daily SPF is a non-negotiable!

UV light triggers pigment cells to overproduce melanin, leading to freckles, brown spots, uneven tone, and visible blood vessels. It also breaks down collagen and elastin - the proteins that keep skin smooth and firm - resulting in roughness, dullness, and premature fine lines.

The good news? BBL and Moxi lasers don’t just camouflage that damage, they help your skin repair it. These treatments stimulate natural cell renewal and collagen production, so your skin looks clearer, firmer, and more radiant from within.

What Is BBL Laser?

This special laser uses pulses of light energy to target pigment, redness, and broken capillaries in the skin. The light energy gently heats the upper layers, prompting the skin to naturally repair damage and create new collagen.

Over the days following treatment, dark spots often rise to the surface (sometimes patients describe these as “coffee grounds”) and flake away, revealing a brighter, more even complexion underneath.

BBL is a powerhouse for:

-Sun spots and freckles
-Redness and rosacea
-Uneven tone and texture
-Early signs of aging

At Defy, we love using BBL as a maintenance treatment, too! It’s quick, effective, and fits easily into your skincare routine with minimal downtime.

What Is Moxi Laser?

If BBL is like hitting “refresh” on your skin tone, Moxi takes it a step further by improving texture, fine lines, and early pigment at a deeper level.

Moxi is a fractional non-ablative laser, which means it creates energy below the skin’s surface to trigger repair and new collagen formation without damaging the outer layer. The result? Smoother, firmer, glowy skin that continues to improve over the weeks following treatment.

What also makes Moxi so popular among our patients and providers is its versatility. It’s safe for all skin types, requires very little downtime, and delivers visible results even after a single session (though we always recommend a series to achieve the best outcome).

Patients love Moxi to treat:

-Fine lines and uneven texture
-Early sun damage and pigmentation
-Dullness and loss of glow
-Preventative anti-aging (often called “prejuvenation”)

BBL vs. Moxi: Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s where the magic really happens! These treatments can be used alone or together for even better results.

-BBL targets surface-level pigment and redness. It’s perfect for clients who want to erase visible sun spots and achieve a clearer, more even skin tone.

-Moxi works deeper, treating texture, tone, and early aging signs while stimulating long-term collagen renewal.

When used in combination they treat multiple layers of the skin at once - BBL clears and brightens, while Moxi rebuilds and refines.

You’ll notice skin that looks not only brighter and more even, but also smoother, firmer, and more youthful.

What to Expect During and After Treatment:

At Defy, every treatment starts with a consultation with one of our expert nurse practicioners to determine the right protocol for your skin type and goals.

During your BBL treatment, you’ll feel quick flashes of warmth as the light targets discoloration and sun damage. The session typically lasts about 20–30 minutes, and there’s no downtime, just some mild redness that fades within a few hours.

For Moxi, you may feel a warm, prickly sensation as the laser moves across the skin. Afterward, skin can look slightly pink, and a rough “sandpaper” texture may develop for a few days as old cells shed and new, radiant skin emerges.

Many times, our patients opt to do BBL and Moxi together in one visit. It’s the perfect “refresh and renew” combo that delivers real results without needing to hide out for a week.

The Results:

Within a week, you’ll notice clearer, more even skin. Over time, collagen production continues, and your skin becomes smoother and more refined.

With a consistent treatment plan (typically a series of 3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart), clients at Defy see dramatic improvements in sun damage, fine lines, and overall luminosity. Maintenance treatments once or twice a year help preserve results and keep your complexion glowing.

And here’s the best part: when you protect your results with daily SPF and medical-grade skincare, that glow truly lasts.

Taking Reversing Sun Damage One Step Further: The Role of VI Peels

While lasers repair from within, chemical peels can help boost and maintain those results from the surface. At Defy, we love pairing VI Peels with BBL and Moxi for clients who want an extra level of brightness or to target lingering pigment.

The VI Peel uses a blend of gentle acids and brightening agents to exfoliate, smooth, and lighten discoloration. It’s an excellent option to alternate between laser sessions or to prep your skin before an event.

Combining BBL, Moxi, and VI Peels gives you a well-rounded approach: lasers rejuvenate deeper layers, while peels refine and polish the surface for the ultimate even, radiant finish!

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.

Best Laser Treatment for Sun Damage