BBL and MOXI are potent anti-aging treatments that deliver impressive results with minimal downtime. They address a wide range of concerns, including skin laxity, fine lines, acne, sun damage, and discoloration.
This article explores the pros and cons of BBL and MOXI, highlighting their key differences, benefits, and the skin concerns each treatment is best suited to address.
What Is BBL Treatment?
BroadBand Light (BBL™) is an advanced IPL photofacial treatment that rejuvenates the skin using high-intensity pulsed light. This FDA-approved technology delivers controlled light energy across a broad range of wavelengths and pulse durations to target specific skin concerns.
BBL is a form of phototherapy commonly used to treat sunspots, freckles, age spots, broken capillaries, melasma, blemishes, and other inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea. It can be performed year-round if you avoid direct sun exposure, but skin experts typically recommend it during fall and winter.
Note: Read about key differences between IPL and BBL.
What Is MOXI Laser Treatment?
MOXI™ is a gentle, non-ablative fractional laser that stimulates collagen production and improves overall skin tone and texture. It is well tolerated across all skin types, including darker complexions. It is highly versatile and can be combined with other treatments, such as the HALO® laser, for deeper resurfacing.
The device creates controlled micro-injuries that activate the skin’s natural healing response, restoring radiance, elasticity, and smoothness. With minimal downtime and mild side effects, this form of laser therapy reduces signs of premature aging, sun damage, enlarged pores, melasma, and fine lines, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
Note: Check out our list of the best products for sensitive skin.
MOXI is also known as a “prejuvenation” laser and is often recommended for younger individuals seeking to delay the early signs of aging.
Note: Discover 7 early signs of aging and effective ways to keep them at bay.
BBL vs. MOXI: What Are Their Differences?
BBL and MOXI work at different layers of the skin and provide a multitude of benefits. The following table highlights their distinctive features and key differences.
| BBL | MOXI | |
| Technology | Intense pulsed light. | Non-ablative fractional laser. |
| Best for | Reducing surface-level issues, such as discoloration, redness, blemishes, and vascular lesions. | Improving skin quality and texture by stimulating collagen production at deeper levels. |
| Common treatment areas | Face, neck, chest, arms, shoulders, and hands. | Face, neck, chest, hands, arms, shoulders, and legs. |
| Ideal age group | Adults of all ages. | Suitable for all ages but often marketed to younger patients in their 20s and early 30s as a preventative, “prejuvenation” treatment. |
| Skin type | Works best on lighter skin, but settings can be adjusted for slightly darker skin tones. | All skin types, including darker complexions. |
| Number of sessions | Typically, 3 to 6 treatments are recommended, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. | Most patients require 3 to 4 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. |
| Maintenance | 3 to 4 touch-ups a year are optimal for most patients. | 1 to 3 follow-ups within a year are recommended. |
| Downtime | Minimal downtime with temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, dark spots, and flaking. | Recovery is minimal and most patients experience redness for a few days. |
How Do BBL and MOXI Work?
BBL and MOXI use different technologies to tackle skin issues and restore a youthful glow.
BBL
This photofacial gently heats the upper skin layers with intense pulsed light, targeting melanin (pigment) and hemoglobin (redness). The skin absorbs this light energy, which stimulates its natural repair process and collagen production and eliminates darker (pigmented) skin cells.
This photothermal energy enhances the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and clarity, while encouraging its capacity to heal and regenerate.
MOXI
MOXI delivers controlled, non-ablative laser energy to create micro-coagulation zones that stimulate collagen production and cellular turnover, resulting in brighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.
These precise micro-injuries refine skin tone, texture, and fine lines without damaging the surface, leaving the skin vibrant and refreshed.
BBL vs. MOXI Ideal Candidates
BBL and MOXI are recommended to healthy adults of all skin types who wish to:
- Prevent early signs of aging and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Maintain a firm, elastic, youthful-looking skin.
- Improve skin tone, sunspots, and other pigmentation issues.
- Reduce redness, blotchiness, spider veins, and broken capillaries.
- Undergo a minimally invasive procedure with minimal downtime.
However, BBL procedures are safest for untanned and lighter skin tones, as people with darker complexions are more likely to experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to overactive melanocytes.
Other contraindications to BBL and MOXI may include:
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Recent sun exposure or active tan
- Use of medications that cause photosensitivity
- Accutane (isotretinoin) use within the past 6 months
- Light-triggered seizure disorders
- Use of anticoagulant medication
- Active skin infections
- History of keloid scarring
- Uncontrolled skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, eczema)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
BBL vs. Moxi Benefits
BBL and MOXI both target photoaging and provide long-lasting improvements in skin quality and appearance.
Key benefits of BBL include:
- Improved skin tone and clarity
- Reduced pigmentation (e.g., sunspots, freckles)
- Improvement in melasma
- Decreased redness, rosacea, and facial veins
- Diminished spider veins and broken capillaries
- Reduction of acne and blemishes
- Smoother texture and refined pores
- Fewer fine lines and creases
- Collagen boost
- Reduced laxity and sagginess
- Improvements in sun damage
- Gentle and non-invasive
- Quick recovery
MOXI delivers the following skin benefits:
- Even skin tone
- Minimized large pores
- Melasma improvements
- Smoother, firmer skin
- Reduced fine lines and creases
- Collagen and elastin stimulation
- Faded sunspots and age spots
- Non-ablative and gentle
- Precise laser technology
- Safe for all skin types
- Minimal downtime
How to Prepare for BBL and MOXI Procedure
BBL and MOXI are quick, walk-in procedures that require minimal preparation. However, there are precautions you can take to maximize the experience and prevent complications.
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin and use gentle, biome-friendly products to remove all impurities.
- Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, and sunless tanners for 4 to 6 weeks before the treatment.
- Avoid waxing, chemical peels, exfoliants, and retinol-based products for one week prior to the procedure.
- Stay well hydrated and avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment.
- Consult your provider regarding prescription drugs that may increase photosensitivity, such as certain antibiotics, topical retinoids, or loop diuretics.
- Avoid using aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and Ginkgo biloba for at least a week prior to the procedure to prevent bruising and promote faster healing.
- Inform your provider about active cold sores, recent breakouts, and permanent makeup and tattoos in the treatment area.
How Painful Are BBL and MOXI?
Both procedures are generally well-tolerated and virtually painless. Patients usually report sensations such as gentle pulses, warmth, light snapping, or mild prickling.
During a BBL treatment, the patient wears protective goggles, and the provider applies a cooling gel or topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Your skin may appear slightly red, tender, swollen, or sunburned after the treatment.
For MOXI, the provider typically applies numbing cream to enhance comfort.
BBL vs. MOXI Results
BBL
Initial improvements are visible within seven to ten days and become more pronounced with each follow-up session. Blemishes, blotchiness, and visible blood vessels usually improve after several weeks.
Pigmented spots may temporarily darken before flaking off within a couple of weeks, with results continuing to improve and often lasting several months up to a year.
MOXI
MOXI provides subtle, natural-looking improvements in skin texture and tone that develop gradually. It also supports the skin’s barrier, enhancing resilience against external stressors such as UV radiation, air pollution, and free radicals.
Since the results are cumulative and longer lasting, many choose MOXI to prevent premature aging and maintain a youthful appearance.
How Many BBL and MOXI Treatments Do You Need?
The physician will determine the number of BBL and MOXI treatments based on your skin type, specific concerns, and desired outcome. Periodic maintenance treatments may be advised, depending on your skin condition and beauty goals.
Most patients benefit from three to six BBL treatments spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions of up to four touch-ups per year.
For MOXI, patients typically require three to four sessions for optimal results, spaced four to six weeks apart, with ongoing maintenance to preserve the improvements.
BBL vs. MOXI Side Effects
As both BBL and MOXI treatments are gentle and minimally invasive, side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
Common BBL side effects include:
- Burning sensation
- Redness
- Warmth
- Swelling
- Mild discomfort
- Increased pigmentation (e.g., dark spots, freckles)
- Peeling or flaking
MOXI treatments may trigger the following:
- Redness
- Warmth
- Mild swelling
- Rough texture
- Flaking
- Itchiness
Rarely, BBL and MOXI may provoke more severe complications:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Activation of cold sores
- Infections
- Allergic reactions
- Acne breakouts
- Burns or blisters
- Scarring
Seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you notice any severe or unusual changes on your skin.
BBL vs. MOXI Aftercare
The effectiveness of both BBL and MOXI treatments depends on your skincare routine and lifestyle choices in the days and weeks following the treatment. Proper aftercare enhances the results and minimizes the risk of irritation or complications.
Recommended aftercare tips include:
- Avoid exfoliants, topical acne treatments, and fragranced skincare products.
- Use gentle, barrier-supporting products free of harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulphates, and alcohol.
- Cleanse the skin with lukewarm water, avoiding hot or cold water.
- Apply cold compresses, cooling gels, or soothing products, such as aloe vera, to reduce redness, dryness, or flaking.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and activities that increase sweating or flushing.
- Refrain from alcohol consumption and spicy foods for up to 48 hours.
- Do not scrub, scratch, rub, or pick at treated areas.
- Avoid direct sun exposure to allow the skin to heal properly.
- Apply a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen whenever outdoors.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that will not irritate the treated skin.
Note: Read our MOXI aftercare guide to maximize the outcome and prevent potential risks.
How Much Do BBL and MOXI Usually Cost?
The overall cost of BBL and MOXI treatments varies depending on the treatment area, the number of required follow-ups, the provider’s expertise, and the location.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, we offer the following packages:
- BBL for $349 or 4 treatments for $1200
- SkynTyte for $500 or 4 treatments for $1500
- Forever Clear for $300 or 8 treatments for $2000
- MOXI for $599
- BBL / MOXI – Face $999
BBL vs. MOXI FAQ
If you are still unsure which treatment is right for you, and whether you can use both, read the answers to the most frequently asked questions about BBL and MOXI.
Which Is Stronger, BBL or MOXI?
Their intensity depends on the targeted issue, skin condition, and the number of maintenance sessions required.
MOXI treatments refresh the skin, address minor concerns, and help prevent premature aging. They are typically gentler but require multiple follow-ups throughout the year.
BBL lasers deliver more dramatic results in fewer treatments and are used to reduce the appearance of sun-damaged skin, hyperpigmentation, and vascular lesions.
How to Choose Between MOXI and BBL?
While both treatments are versatile and fully customizable, each is designed to address specific cosmetic concerns. Choosing between MOXI and BBL depends on your age, skin concern, and desired outcome.
To determine which one suits you better, consider the following factors:
- Primary skin concern and specific issues you wish to address.
- Goals: prevention and increased resilience or targeted correction of specific concerns.
- Treatment length and the number of required follow-ups.
- Recovery period and aftercare requirements.
- Expected results and the possibility of combining with other cosmetic treatments.
- Overall cost.
Can You Do MOXI and BBL Together?
Yes, MOXI and BBL can be safely combined for a more powerful, full-spectrum approach to skin rejuvenation. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation and promote long-term resilience against skin pollution.
In a single session, BBL targets superficial concerns such as brown spots, redness, and vascular irregularities, while MOXI penetrates deeper layers to remodel the skin, improve texture, and stimulate collagen production.
Because both treatments are gentle and non-ablative, downtime is minimal, with side effects that are typically mild and temporary.
Conclusion
BBL and MOXI have redefined non-invasive aesthetic treatments by enhancing skin tone, improving clarity, reducing blemishes, and rejuvenating the complexion. Their ability to treat the skin at multiple depths allows for comprehensive results. This dynamic duo addresses superficial concerns like redness and pigmentation while simultaneously targeting deeper signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging.
Contact our friendly staff at Vibrant Skin Bar to learn more about BBL, MOXI, and other innovative skin-rejuvenating solutions.
