Choosing the right skin treatment can be challenging with options like CO2 laser and Moxi laser available. In this CO2 laser vs. Moxi laser guide, we’ll explore the key differences, benefits, and ideal uses for each, helping you determine which treatment aligns best with your skin goals and lifestyle.
The Moxi laser is non-ablative, meaning that it does not damage the surface layer of your skin. Instead, it heats water molecules within your skin’s outer layers, stimulating collagen production and resulting in radiant, tighter facial skin.
It is also effective at treating uneven skin tone and texture, sun damage and enlarged pores. Most patients require a series of Moxi treatments, spaced about 4 weeks apart, for the best results.
Table of Contents
- 1 Understanding CO2 Laser and Moxi Laser for Skin
- 2 What is CO2 Laser?
- 3 What is Sciton Moxi Laser?
- 4 Comparing CO2 Laser & Moxi Laser: Key Differences
- 5 Benefits of Choosing Moxi Laser at House of Aesthetics Med Spa
- 6 Which Treatment Right for You? CO2 Laser vs. Sciton Moxi Laser
- 7 Book Consultation to Discover Your Ideal Treatment
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions About CO2 Laser and Moxi Laser
Understanding CO2 Laser and Moxi Laser for Skin
The CO2 laser is a more intensive option, perfect for deep scars and significant textural irregularities. It can also treat warts and other skin issues that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments or trichloroacetic acid (TCA peels). This procedure has a lengthy recovery period but yields powerful results.
The process involves controlled damage using carbon dioxide laser beams to encourage the skin’s natural healing response, leading to collagen formation and new tissue growth to smooth the skin surface. The laser also vaporizes the top layer of the skin, forcing your body to replenish this fresher surface, which will result in noticeably rejuvenated, tighter skin.
This treatment is ideal for patients who are willing to commit to two weeks of downtime while their skin heals. During this time, patients must avoid sun exposure and use an occlusive ointment to prevent scabbing.
A personalized consultation can help determine if you are a good candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing. During your consultation, you will need to discuss any medications or supplements that can interfere with the wound-healing process. It’s also important to stop any skin-sensitizing treatments like hydroxy acids and oral isotretinoin. You should also avoid smoking, as this can inhibit the skin’s ability to repair itself.
What is CO2 Laser?
A CO2 laser is a type of light-amplification system that produces an invisible, far-infrared beam of energy. This energy penetrates the skin and heats it up, destroying diseased tissue and shrinking or removing it. It is especially effective for preventing and treating skin cancers by reducing the number of damaged cells.
It is also a great treatment option for actinic keratosis, warts, moles, and superficial non-melanoma skin cancers. It is also effective for resurfacing wrinkles, tightening loose collagen strands and reducing scarring from acne and other traumas. A recent study showed that it was particularly helpful for ice-pick acne scars, which are often difficult to treat with other therapies.
The strength of CO2 laser is its ability to target the uppermost layers of the skin, stimulating a healing response and producing fresh, firm skin. This makes it a superior treatment for people with Fitzpatrick type 1 or 2 complexions, who are less likely to experience hyper- or hypopigmentation after laser treatments.
The most common CO2 laser treatment is fractional laser resurfacing. This treatment uses a device called Acupulse by Lumenis and targets specific spots or scars. It can be either ablative or non-ablative, depending on the condition of the patient’s skin and the results they are looking for. Those who choose the ablative method will require longer downtime and recovery periods. During this time, it is important to avoid skin-sensitizing treatments like hydroxy acids, oral isotretinoin, and other medications that interfere with the skin’s ability to heal. It is also essential to keep the skin moist with an occlusive ointment or dressing until it heals.
What is Sciton Moxi Laser?
The Moxi Laser is an efficient yet gentle laser treatment that can improve a range of facial skin concerns including fine lines, pore size, pigmentation, and uneven tone. This non-ablative and fractionated laser technique uses a wavelength of 1927nm to target areas within the face while leaving other nearby skin cells unharmed. This is one of our most versatile laser treatments and is effective for all skin tones, allowing us to lighten and brighten as well as reduce the appearance of discoloration in addition to rejuvenating your complexion.
We typically recommend a series of treatments for optimal results, though visible changes can often be seen after just one session. This is because MOXI is a prejuvenation treatment, meaning it prevents aging before it even starts while also promoting healthy new skin growth.
During your appointment, we will apply a numbing cream to minimize discomfort before using the MOXI laser on your skin. You will feel a slight warming sensation as the laser penetrates your skin to create micro-coagulation zones. This stimulates the body’s natural healing response, triggering cell turnover and collagen production for smoother skin. You will be able to return to your normal daily routine immediately after treatment with little to no downtime or recovery period needed.
Comparing CO2 Laser & Moxi Laser: Key Differences
Laser treatments have been around for decades and continue to be an effective tool in transforming the skin. However, a more comprehensive approach to laser skin rejuvenation offers even better results with less downtime and discomfort.
The CO2 laser is a nonfractional treatment that reduces fine lines, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. This ablative laser heats water molecules in the skin to vaporize damaged cells and promote collagen growth. This results in firmer, smoother skin that is more youthful. However, CO2 lasers can be intense and require significant recovery time.
A more gentle alternative is the Moxi laser. This treatment uses a Tetra CO2 laser to reduce redness, fine lines, sun damage, and pore size. It also helps diminish the appearance of melasma and is highly effective for “prejuvenation” – preventing signs of aging before they begin.
While both CO2 laser and Moxi are effective treatments, they offer different results. If you are looking to significantly improve the appearance of your skin and are willing to sacrifice some downtime, then CO2 laser may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are more concerned about downtime and want a more gradual improvement, then Moxi is likely the best option for you.
Benefits of Choosing Moxi Laser at House of Aesthetics Med Spa
Unlike creams and microdermabrasion, which are gentle but only treat superficial skin flaws, Moxi Laser targets underlying skin concerns with precision, stimulating collagen production for firmer, smoother skin. This non-ablative treatment reaches below the skin’s surface to encourage cell renewal and rejuvenation, leaving you with a brighter, more even complexion.
Moxi Laser is ideal for treating mild-to-moderate signs of aging, such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and sun damage. It can help reduce pigmentation, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve skin texture without the intensive downtime of traditional ablative lasers. Moxi is also effective for managing conditions like early-stage rosacea and melasma, making it a versatile option for a range of skin types and concerns.
When performed by a qualified aesthetician, Moxi Laser treatments are safe and effective. However, any laser treatment requires care and attention to ensure optimal results and manage potential side effects.
Some of the most common side effects of Moxi Laser include mild redness, swelling, and a slight roughness to the skin as it heals—typically lasting only a few days. It’s essential to avoid direct sunlight, picking at any dry or peeling areas, and to follow aftercare instructions, including the use of a gentle moisturizer or recommended skin barrier ointment. If you experience any unexpected side effects, our team at House of Aesthetics is here to support you in managing them and achieving the best possible outcome.
Which Treatment Right for You? CO2 Laser vs. Sciton Moxi Laser
While both the Moxi Laser and CO2 laser offer impressive skin rejuvenation, they cater to different skin needs. Sciton Moxi Laser is a gentler, non-ablative option, ideal for treating early signs of aging, pigmentation, and mild texture issues, while CO2 laser is more intensive and suited to addressing deep scars and significant skin texture concerns. A personalized consultation with our expert aesthetician can help you decide which treatment best aligns with your skincare goals.
Moxi Laser targets the skin’s surface layers with a fractionated approach, stimulating collagen and elastin without the downtime associated with ablative lasers. This makes it highly effective for brightening skin tone, refining pores, reducing pigmentation, and smoothing fine lines. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a refreshed, even complexion without prolonged recovery time.
With Moxi, most clients experience minimal side effects, such as mild redness or dryness that typically resolves within a few days. Unlike CO2 laser treatments, which can require up to two weeks of healing, Moxi allows you to get back to your routine quickly, making it an ideal option for busy schedules.
CO2 laser, by contrast, penetrates deeper, vaporizing water in the skin’s epidermis to promote new skin cell growth. This is particularly beneficial for advanced skin issues, such as pronounced wrinkles, deep scars, and sun damage. However, CO2 laser treatments usually involve more downtime, with redness, rawness, and peeling lasting up to two weeks.
For a gentler alternative, Moxi Laser provides effective results without the intense side effects of CO2 or erbium lasers. Safe for all skin tones, Moxi’s fractionated technology achieves noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture, making it an ideal choice for those who want rejuvenation with minimal disruption to daily life.
Book Consultation to Discover Your Ideal Treatment
Sun damage and repeated facial expressions over the years can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless. Fortunately, the right laser treatment can help restore your natural radiance.
At House of Aesthetics, we specialize in building customized treatment plans that meet your specific needs. Our Moxi laser treatments target a wide range of common skin problems including fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, large pores, sun spots, acne and other scars, and more.
Non-ablative lasers like our Sciton Moxi laser offer less dramatic results, but also require no downtime. MOXI uses a 1927nm wavelength that gently heats water inside of the cells for a quick and painless procedure. This helps stimulate collagen production to smooth out your complexion and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and other signs of aging.
Before you book a Moxi session, it’s important to talk to our specialist about your skincare goals and schedule a medical evaluation. During this visit, we will make recommendations to help you prepare for your treatment. You’ll be asked to stop using certain medications that increase your risk of laser burns, such as hydroxy acids and oral isotretinoin (Accutane). You’ll also be advised to avoid taking any medication that interferes with the body’s wound-healing processes.
Frequently Asked Questions About CO2 Laser and Moxi Laser
1. Can Moxi achieve the same results as a CO2 laser?
- Answer: While Moxi can deliver significant skin improvements, it doesn’t penetrate as deeply as CO2 laser. Moxi is ideal for mild-to-moderate skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone, sun damage, and fine lines, and is excellent for maintaining youthful skin over time. CO2 laser, on the other hand, is typically recommended for more severe skin issues, such as deep wrinkles, pronounced scars, and advanced signs of aging, as it removes the outer layer of skin. Moxi is often preferred for those who want results with minimal downtime, whereas CO2 is more intensive and requires a longer recovery.
2. How often can I receive Moxi Laser treatments?
- Answer: Moxi Laser treatments can generally be done every 4-6 weeks, depending on your skin’s response and your desired results. For maintenance, many clients opt for Moxi treatments quarterly or seasonally. Regular treatments help maintain a fresh, even skin tone and prevent signs of aging, making Moxi an excellent choice for those seeking ongoing skin health with minimal downtime.
3. Is there a difference in cost between CO2 and Moxi laser?
- Answer: Yes, there is usually a cost difference. CO2 laser treatments tend to be more expensive due to the intensive nature of the procedure, the depth of treatment, and the longer recovery period involved. Moxi laser is generally less costly, as it is gentler, requires less downtime, and can be completed more quickly. The exact pricing depends on your location and provider, but for those looking for a budget-friendly option with effective results, Moxi may be the ideal choice.
4. Are there risks or side effects specific to each laser?
- Answer: Both CO2 and Moxi lasers come with some potential side effects, though CO2 typically has a higher risk due to its intensity. CO2 laser side effects can include prolonged redness, swelling, and peeling, and there’s a higher risk of infection or pigmentation changes, especially for those with darker skin tones. Moxi, being gentler, has minimal side effects, usually limited to mild redness, swelling, or flaking for a day or two. For clients seeking fewer risks and quicker recovery, Moxi is often the preferred choice, particularly for those with sensitive skin or concerns about downtime.