MOXI or HALO laser: which one?
Medically reviewed by
Brian V. Heil, MD, FACS, board certified plastic surgeon
Published September 27, 2026 · Updated
MOXI is the lighter treatment. It’s a non-ablative 1927 nm laser for early sun damage, dullness, and rough texture, with about 1 to 3 days of redness and sandpaper-like skin. HALO combines an ablative and a non-ablative wavelength to go deeper on sun damage, enlarged pores, texture, and fine lines, with roughly 5 to 7 days of downtime. Both are made by Sciton, and many plans use both over time.
Side by side
| Comparison | MOXI | HALO |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 1927 nm, non-ablative | 1470 nm non-ablative plus 2940 nm ablative, in one pass |
| What it targets | Early sun spots, dullness, mild texture, “prejuvenation” | Deeper sun damage, pores, texture, fine lines |
| Downtime | About 1 to 3 days | About 5 to 7 days |
| Typical plan | A series of 3 to 4, about 4 weeks apart, then maintenance | Often 1 to 2 treatments |
| Skin tones | Settings can be adjusted for a wider range of tones | Needs more caution in deeper skin tones |
| Timing | Can be done most of the year | Best when you can avoid strong sun afterward |
How to decide
MOXI usually fits if:
- You’re in your late 20s to 40s with early spots or dullness.
- You can’t take a week off.
- You want a regular maintenance treatment rather than one big reset.
HALO usually fits if:
- You have years of sun damage, visible pores, or crepey texture.
- You can plan around about a week of visible recovery.
- You’d rather do one or two stronger treatments than a long series.
If redness, broken capillaries, and brown spots are the main issue, BBL Hero light therapy is often added before or alongside either laser.
What recovery looks like
MOXI: Pink skin and a rough, sandpaper feel for a few days as tiny treated zones rise to the surface and flake off. Most people wear makeup within a day or two.
HALO: Swelling for the first two to three days, then a bronzed, flaky phase as the treated skin sheds. Skin stays pink for a bit after that. You’ll look like you had a procedure for roughly a week.
Before either treatment
- Stop retinoids a few days ahead, as directed.
- Arrive without a tan.
- If you get cold sores, tell your provider. An antiviral is commonly prescribed before resurfacing.
- Plan daily sunscreen for the weeks after.
Why these are Sciton choices, not brand choices
Because MOXI, HALO, and BBL Hero come from the same maker and often run on the same platform, your provider can mix them in one plan, like light therapy for redness plus MOXI for tone, without juggling unrelated systems.
How Acqua Blu approaches it
Acqua Blu Medical Spa was founded by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil, and treatment plans at our Upper St. Clair and Wexford offices are built under his supervision. Your consultation looks at your skin type, sun history, and schedule before recommending MOXI, HALO, or a mix. The full menu is on our lasers and light page.
Sources
- Dermatology Times. Rise of the 1927 nm wavelength.
- Sciton. MOXI and HALO device information.
- ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06091215. Combining broad based light, fractionated 1927 nm, and dual wavelength 2940/1470 nm.
FAQ
Which hurts more?
HALO. Both use numbing cream. MOXI feels warm and prickly. HALO feels hotter.
How long do results last?
New sun exposure keeps creating damage, so most people keep results with sunscreen and a maintenance treatment, often MOXI or BBL, once or twice a year.
Can I do MOXI in summer?
Often yes, with strict sun protection. HALO is usually better scheduled for fall or winter.
Treatments at Acqua Blu Medical Spa in Upper St. Clair are provided under the direction of Brian V. Heil, MD, FACS, the practice’s founder and medical director. A consultation is the best way to find out what fits your skin and your goals.
This is general information, not medical advice. Candidacy and treatment parameters are determined by a licensed provider at a consultation.
