Some skin stories start with a long beach day and end with a freckle that overstayed its welcome. Others come from the daily, invisible exposure: driving, walking the dog, running errands with SPF that wore off before lunch. No matter how it started, sun damage has a way of lingering longer than we’d like.
So when it comes time to undo some of that UV history, many patients land on two of the most talked-about laser treatments in aesthetics: BBL and MOXI.
But which one’s better?
Well, better depends. On your skin tone, your goals, how much downtime you can afford, and how your skin actually behaves in the real world.
Before comparing BBL and MOXI, it helps to know that not all “lasers” are actually lasers.
BBL (short for BroadBand Light) is a form of intense pulsed light therapy. Instead of a single beam, BBL uses high-intensity pulses of light across a range of wavelengths. Think of it as a floodlight targeting pigment, redness, broken capillaries, and early signs of aging skin.
MOXI, on the other hand, is a true fractionated laser treatment. It uses gentle, non-ablative laser energy to create controlled microzones in the skin. That triggers your body’s natural healing response, encouraging collagen production and new cell growth.
Translation? MOXI goes a bit deeper into the dermis, while BBL stays more surface-level. That matters when you're trying to match a device to your unique sun damage, skin type, and lifestyle.
BBL Hero (the latest-generation system) is known for delivering a lot in a little time. In just a few passes, this broad and light treatment can improve:
Because it uses light energy instead of laser energy, BBL is generally safe for lighter to medium skin types, especially untanned skin. It’s often used on the face, neck, chest, arms, and even the hands. Anywhere sun damage lives.
Sessions are quick, with minimal discomfort (especially with cooling gel applied beforehand). There’s no real downtime, just a few hours of mild redness and a coffee ground–like appearance to dark spots as they rise to the surface and flake away.
Patients often need multiple treatments to achieve optimal results, especially for deeper pigment or vascular lesions. But BBL is fantastic for maintaining healthy skin and dialing down early photoaging over time.
Where BBL targets discoloration, MOXI aims to renew. The laser works by creating tiny, controlled injuries called micro coagulation zones in the skin. These micro dots signal your body to repair itself, resulting in:
Because it’s a non-ablative laser, MOXI is gentler than traditional ablative lasers, but still delivers visible results. Some patients describe it as a “spicy facial” with some heat, redness, and tightness afterward. You’ll likely experience mild flaking for a few days, but most people feel comfortable applying makeup or returning to work within 24–48 hours.
Where MOXI shines is in treating initial signs of sun damage, especially in younger patients or those looking for a good preventative maintenance option.
It’s also safer than many other laser treatments for darker skin tones, thanks to its precision and customizable settings.
Let’s compare.
BBL | MOXI | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Intense Pulsed Light (BroadBand Light) | Fractionated Non-Ablative Laser |
| Best For | Pigmentation, redness, superficial damage | Texture, tone, early aging, collagen boost |
| Skin Types | Fair to medium tones | All skin tones (with proper settings) |
| Downtime | None to minimal | 1-3 days, mild redness/flaking |
| Treatment Areas | Face, chest, hands, arms, neck | Face, neck, chest |
| Pain Level | Low (mild warming, sometimes snapping) | Moderate (topical numbing helps) |
| # of Sessions | 3-5 for best results, then maintenance | 3-4 initially, then regular maintenance |
| Bonus | Can treat vascular concerns | Safe for melanin-rich skin |
At BEAUTY by BUFORD, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all skincare or devices. The right tool depends on your skin, not just the trend.
BBL is often ideal for patients with visible sun damage, redness, or age spots, especially those who want a no-downtime solution. It’s a favorite for brightening skin tone and minimizing signs of aging in just a few short sessions.
MOXI is best for those looking to rebuild skin quality: improve texture, stimulate collagen, and gently erase the early imprint of sun exposure. It’s also the go-to for younger patients and anyone building a proactive treatment plan for lifelong skin health.
And yes, you can absolutely combine both. In fact, many of our patients do. Pairing BBL treatments with MOXI gives you the best of both worlds: pigment correction and collagen renewal in one streamlined, seasonal skincare strategy.
After either treatment, we’ll give you a post-care regimen tailored to your skin. Expect:
We’ll walk you through it during your initial consultation and help you plan your treatments around your schedule, travel, or upcoming events.
Sun damage doesn’t have to be permanent, and you don’t have to guess your way through light-based laser treatments. Whether you're trying to fade brown spots, smooth uneven texture, or build a customized treatment plan, BBL and MOXI each offer their own kind of glow-up.
And if you’re still not sure what’s right for you? That’s where we come in.
Our team has the experience, tools, and insight to help you get skin that feels as good as it looks. Call us today to schedule a consultation and find out whether BBL, MOXI, or a little bit of both is right for your sun damage and skin concerns.
With decades of experience, Dr. Buford has honed his skills to deliver exceptional results. Whether you're seeking to refine or rejuvenate your naturally beautiful appearance, Dr. Buford's personalized approach ensures that your needs are met with world-class skill and precision. Schedule a consultation today to put Dr. Buford’s expertise to work for you.
