I’ve had melasma on my forehead and cheekbones for at least 8 years now. I’ve tried topicals and treatments, but never this type of laser. The Moxi is a fractionated 1927 nm laser from Sciton. This laser causes controlled, microscopic damage to the skin, which in turn, encourages collagen production as well as pigment removal.
I will do a series of 3 Moxi laser treatments, in combination with prescribed topical skincare with 2 main goals: lighten my melasma and post blemish marks.
I’m detailing my first Moxi laser experience in this post, taking you day by day as I heal.
I had this treatment done at Coachlight Clinic & Spa in West Des Moines, IA.
I paid full price for products and the service. This post contains product affiliate links.
What does Moxi laser treat?
The Moxi laser has been shown to improve the following skin pigmentation and textural concerns:
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Fine lines
- Melasma
- Loss of firmness
- Dull, rough texture
How long does Moxi take?
30 minutes or less. I had both my face and neck treated so face only would be more like 20 minutes.
How much downtime is there?
Expect redness and rough, sandpaper-like texture for 3-4 days. You may experience swelling on day 2. Full healing can be expected around the 1 week mark.
How much does Moxi cost?
I’ve seen prices range from $500–$750 per session.
With a product package deal, I ended up paying $675 per session.
The clinic I had it done was running a special of free neck treatment with face, which I believe is about a $400 value.
Pre Laser Skincare
Prior to my first of 3 Moxi laser treatments, my esthetician Megan recommended the following topical skincare regimen. The goal is to inhibit the meloncytes’ ability to produce pigment, so that when treated with a laser (heat), they don’t go into overdrive. After the treatment, I will remain on the regimen to prevent the pigment from having a boomerang effect.
AM
ZO Pigment Control Creme, 4% hydroquinone
Mineral SPF
PM
ZO Pigment Control Creme, 4% hydroquinone
ZO Pigment Control + Brightening Creme, 4% hydroquinone
0.05% Tretinoin (I already had this from Apostrophe)
My skin did get to feeling pretty tight, itchy and dry as a bone. My esthetician warned me of this very thing so I’m wasn’t alarmed. Once I pushed past that point, it was actually better than it has been in a long time. I just kept using my richest moisturizers, oils and hydration mists.
This regimen is stopped 4-5 days prior to treatment and resumed about 1 week after.
DAY 1: MOXI LASER DAY
Upon arriving at Coachlight Clinic & Spa, I applied topical numbing cream and waited about 20 minutes. It wasn’t communicated to me to come earlier to do so, but normally, you’d numb 40-60 minutes! My reduced numbing time, combined with the fact that I had just started my period, had me fearing for the absolute worst pain-wise.
Waiting for the numbing cream to take effect
Does Moxi Laser hurt?
I expected the laser to feel like a hot, burning sensation, and instead, it felt more like facial hair removal. The best way I could describe it is that it felt like you someone was using one of these on me. I was pleasantly surprised as it was far less bothersome than I had imagined.
I may be a freak of nature, but at one point, I even felt like it was ticklish and wanted to laugh.
Megan said that is not common, so don’t get your hopes up!
Once the laser session was complete, a burning sensation began, but it was not unbearable by any means. Megan said to expect a burning sensation for about 2 hours and she was right on. I finished the Moxi laser treatment at 1:00 PM and like clockwork, by 3:00 PM no burning at all.
90 minutes after Moxi session
Here’s what helped me power through those 2 hours:
- Spring water spray like THIS or THIS
- Personal fan like THIS
- 2 ibuprofen as soon as I got home
- A treat. Ice cream, a coffee drink, or my choice, caramel corn
I found a chemical peel to be more painful than the Moxi laser and on a pain scale of 1-10, I rate it a 3, maybe even a 2.
DAY 2
The morning after Moxi
Ya girl is looking burnt to a crisp, but it’s nothing I didn’t expect.
My skin is feeling tight and dry and the texture feels like a fine grit sandpaper.
The MENDS (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris) are out in full force and we love to see it.
I had some slight swelling when I woke up, but nothing alarming and it seemed to subside.
I was definitely very RED the day after.
DAY 3
2 days after Moxi
The redness has dialed way down but the crispy crunchy texture is still very much a thing and I have a ton of MEND speckles. My forehead, where I have the darkest melasma, is the most concentrated area of spots.
2 days after treatment, aka day 3
Makeup would be pointless as every square inch of my face and neck is still the gritty sandpaper texture.
DAY 4
* This article was originally published here
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