If your skin’s feeling a little dull, uneven, or sun-tired after summer, you’re not imagining it. Over time, UV exposure, pollution, and even stress can slow down your skin’s natural renewal cycle - leaving behind spots, rough texture, and that general “blah” feeling when you look in the mirror.

That’s exactly where Moxi laser comes in! It’s one of our favorite treatments at our downtown Bethesda medical spa because it bridges the gap between a gentle facial and a more intensive resurfacing laser. Think of it as the “refresh button” for your skin - powerful enough to stimulate new collagen, but mild enough that you can walk out the door with only a bit of redness and minimal downtime.

Whether you’re considering your first Moxi or just want to know what the buzz is about, here’s a realistic look at what to expect before, during, and after treatment!

The Prep:

1. Schedule a Consultation: Every great Moxi treatment starts with a personalized plan. During your consultation at Defy, our expert nurse practitioners will assess your skin tone, texture, and current skincare routine to determine the best settings and treatment depth. Moxi works beautifully on all skin types, but the intensity can be customized from a light “lunchtime refresh” to a more transformative resurfacing session.

2. Avoid Sun and Self-Tanner: For about a week before treatment, keep sun exposure to a minimum and skip self-tanner. Lasers and fresh pigment don’t mix well, so the less UV exposure your skin has, the better (and safer) your results will be.

3. Pause Actives: We usually recommend taking a short break from exfoliating acids, retinol, and prescription topicals for 3–5 days before Moxi. This helps your skin barrier stay calm and ready to heal efficiently afterward.

4. Arrive Bare-Faced (If Possible): On treatment day, come in with clean skin - no makeup, sunscreen, or moisturizer. We’ll prep your skin again in-office, but it helps to start fresh!

The Treatment Itself:

1. The Numbing Step: Comfort is key. We start by applying a topical numbing cream and letting it sit for about 20–30 minutes. Most patients say this makes the treatment surprisingly comfortable. We’d describe it more as a warm prickly sensation than actual pain.

2. The Sound of “Skin Polishing”: When the Moxi laser starts, you will hear a soft buzzing or tapping sound (some people describe it as the sound of “skin polishing”). The laser handpiece delivers controlled micro-pulses of light energy that target water in the skin’s surface. This creates microscopic zones of controlled injury that trigger your skin’s natural healing response.

3. The Feeling: It feels warm - like a quick zap followed by heat that builds slightly as the treatment progresses. The entire face typically takes about 15–20 minutes. Most patients describe it as tolerable and far more comfortable than older resurfacing lasers.

4. Post-Treatment Cooling: Immediately afterward, your skin may look flushed or slightly pink almost like a light sunburn. You can technically return to work or errands right away (though most people prefer to lay low for the rest of the day).

The Recovery:

Here’s where the magic really starts! Moxi is known for its minimal downtime and consistent results, but your post-treatment care is what seals the deal.

Day 1: The Glow (and Warmth): Expect a mild warmth and redness for several hours. Your skin might feel tight or slightly rough to the touch but that’s totally normal. Avoid makeup, heat exposure, or sweaty workouts for the first 24 hours to keep your skin calm.

We’ll send you home with or recommend gentle products like our fan favorite TWENTY ONE Hyaluronic Peptide Serum to hydrate and soothe, followed by the RICH Advanced Hydrating Cream to lock in moisture and support your barrier. Both are lightweight enough not to clog healing skin but rich in peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to enhance recovery.

Days 2–4: The “Sandpaper” Phase”: Around day two, you’ll notice tiny dark dots or a slightly gritty texture on your skin. We call these “MENDS” (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris). It sounds intense, but it’s just your body pushing out the old, damaged cells while new skin regenerates underneath. Don’t pick or scrub. Those dots will naturally slough off as you cleanse and moisturize. Keeping your skin hydrated helps speed this process.

Days 5–7: The Reveal: By the end of the week, you’ll start to see that signature Moxi glow! This means smoother texture, refined pores, and a brighter, more even tone. Some pigmentation will continue to fade over the next few weeks as collagen production ramps up.

Results: What You’ll See (and When)

You’ll notice an initial improvement in tone and radiance within the first week, but collagen remodeling takes time. Over the next 4-6 weeks, your skin continues to firm and refine as new collagen and elastin form beneath the surface.

For best results, we typically recommend a series of 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Many patients maintain their results with a single Moxi “touch-up” once or twice a year, especially after summer or before big events.

Why We (and Our Patients) Love Moxi:

It fits nearly every skin type, works year-round, and plays nicely with other treatments like BBL, microneedling, or VI chemical peels. It’s also an incredible entry point for anyone new to lasers - effective enough to make a real difference, but gentle enough to not disrupt your life.

Moxi targets:

-Early sun damage and uneven tone

-Fine lines and rough texture

-Large pores and dullness

-Preventative collagen loss in younger skin

In fact, studies show that fractionated non-ablative lasers like Moxi can increase collagen production by up to 50% over baseline after a series of treatments making it one of the most effective (and safest) ways to slow visible aging!

Aftercare Tips from the Defy Pros:

-SPF every single day: Even a little unprotected sun exposure can reverse your progress. Also, you can never go wrong with wearing a hat for added protection.

-Stay hydrated: Healing skin needs internal hydration too — aim for water, electrolytes, and nutrient-dense foods.
-Gentle skincare only: Avoid exfoliants, acids, and retinoids for about a week post-treatment. Focus on hydrating and barrier-supporting formulas.

-Be patient: Your skin is literally regenerating from the inside out. Give it time to do its thing!

Ready to see what Moxi can do for your skin? Book a consultation with one of our expert Defy providers and let’s create your personalized glow plan.

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.

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Moxi Laser Treatment