Moxi Laser Healing: Post-Treatment Aftercare
While the concept of using laser energy to help improve the health and appearance of the skin isn’t new to the aesthetic world, the Moxi laser treatment still offers something slightly different.
We’ve compiled the basics of the Moxi laser healing process and our recommendations for post-treatment aftercare to help minimize downtime and ensure you get the most out of your appointment.
What is Moxi?
Moxi is a non-invasive fractionated laser treatment created by Sciton. This gentle, non-ablative laser targets water in the skin cells, creating controlled micro-injuries on the surface layers of the skin.
However, because the body can’t recognize the difference between purposeful and accidental wounds, it responds the same way — by supporting collagen production to speed up and promote the healing process within the treated area.
While laser skin treatments have primarily been focused on rejuvenating the skin and treating common signs of aging — like the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minor skin laxity, poor or uneven skin texture and visible signs of chronic sun damage (including hyperpigmentation or an uneven skin tone) — Moxi approaches things slightly differently.
A Moxi laser treatment plan focuses on a concept known as “prejuvenation” — treating the skin to keep it looking and feeling its best before skin concerns occur (similar to preventative Botox).
For most people, achieving optimal results requires four to five laser resurfacing treatments, followed by maintenance appointments a few times a year. Most appointments last around 45 minutes — 30 minutes for numbing, and roughly 15 for the treatment itself.
Moxi laser treatments are considered to be only slightly uncomfortable, and most experience only a minor feeling of heat on the skin, similar to everyday sun exposure. We’ll apply topical numbing cream before your treatment to keep you as comfortable as possible!
The post-Moxi laser healing process
Your skin care provider will walk you through what to expect during the post-treatment stages in more detail, but having a basic understanding of the process can help you achieve the most optimal results.
Immediately after your Moxi treatment, the first thing you’ll notice is overall redness on the treated areas. Some people with more sensitive skin types may also experience temporary pinpoint bleeding with micro-coagulation zones found at the targeted treatment sites.
The more aggressive the treatment, the more likely you are to experience these side effects. As the skin starts to heal, you’ll also notice areas called “mends,” dark, rough spots that show up in the areas directly in contact with the laser.
Three to five days after treatment, these mends will slowly slough off and reveal more radiant, youthful skin underneath.
How can I support the Moxi laser healing process?
Although your skin will be doing all the hard work, there are still ways to support your skin during the Moxi laser healing process.
Sun protection
Although Moxi is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment, it does leave your skin vulnerable in the days following treatment. One of the biggest dangers to the skin — especially when healing — is UV wavelength radiation from the sun.
Keeping your skin protected during the healing process should include, at minimum, staying out of direct sunlight for the first 24 to 48 hours. If you can’t avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, like our hydrating Sheer Defense SPF, and minimize your time outside as much as possible.
Avoid makeup
We strongly recommend that those who regularly wear makeup wait at least 24 hours to apply it during the Moxi laser healing process. More specifically, avoiding any full-face makeup — especially foundation — is best.
It may be tempting to want to cover up post-treatment redness or uneven pigment, but foundation can clog the skin and slow the healing process. Using a tinted sunscreen like Sheer Defense not only protects your skin — it gives you a bit of coverage and helps even out redness, too!
Follow the recommendations
Your usual skin care routine may be too much for the skin to handle while it heals (or even set the healing process back). Use a soothing cleanser when washing your face, such as our Gentle Soothing Cleanser, and avoid using any skin care products that contain exfoliants, retinol or acids (like alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids) for 10 days after treatment.
These products can cause additional irritation and sensitivity to your already vulnerable skin. Most importantly, ensure your skin stays as hydrated as possible (using products that are recommended or approved by your skin care provider) — the skin needs moisture to heal.
How long will it take to see results?
The Moxi laser treatment itself is quick, but so is the time it takes for results to be visible. Most people will begin seeing results several days after their first treatment, and those results only continue to improve with each additional follow-up.
Using the right skin care routine between treatments is also crucial for achieving and maintaining your results. Talk to your skin care provider if you’re unsure what products to use. They can guide you toward the most effective, supportive products to help you reach your goals.
In summary…
Moxi laser healing may require slightly more downtime than some other cosmetic treatments, but that process is crucial to getting the best possible results. Understanding what happens during and after a Moxi treatment can help you feel confident throughout the healing process.
To speak with one of our advanced practice providers about whether a Moxi laser treatment is right for you (or for other ways to improve or maintain your skin) — contact our med spa in Atlanta, Charlotte or Nashville today. We’d love to discuss your options and help you discover your most beautiful and radiant skin yet.
Peer review
This article was medically reviewed by Madeline Stoffer, MSN, NP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner with 6 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.
SOURCES:
Pigmentation Disorders: Diagnosis and Management | AAFP
Assessment of Laser Effects on Skin Rejuvenation | PMC
Skin Wound Healing: An Update on the Current Knowledge and Concepts | PubMed
