MOXI Laser Treatment Care Instructions

Avoid blood thinners and NSAIDs. Stop aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and similar NSAIDs 3–7 days before treatment. If you take prescription blood thinners, do not stop without speaking to your prescribing physician first. 

Pause blood-thinning supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil/omega-3s, ginkgo, and ginseng for 7–10 days prior. If any of these are medically necessary, check with your prescribing physician before stopping. 

Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before your treatment to minimize redness and swelling. 

Pause retinoids and active topicals. Stop retinol, Retin-A, glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, vitamin C, and exfoliants on the treatment area for 5–7 days prior. 

Avoid sun exposure and tanning. No sunburn, tanning beds, or self-tanner for 2 weeks before treatment. 

If you have taken isotretinoin (Accutane), you must be off it for at least 12 months prior. Photosensitizing medications (doxycycline, certain antibiotics, acne medications) must also be reviewed with your provider. 

Avoid waxing or chemical depilatories in the treatment area for 5–7 days prior. 

Separate neurotoxin and filler in the same area by 2 weeks before MOXI. 

Set yourself up for success. Hydrate well in the 24–48 hours leading up to your appointment, eat a light meal beforehand to keep you comfortable, and arrive with clean skin—no makeup, SPF, or product on the treatment area. 

Disclose your full history with your provider, including all medications, supplements, prior cosmetic treatments, autoimmune conditions, and any history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring. 

If you have a history of cold sores, let your provider know in advance—antiviral prophylaxis may be recommended. 

Plan your social calendar. Expect 4–7 days of redness and small dark dots ("MENDS") that slough off naturally. 

Reschedule if needed. Sunburn, a recent tan, active cold sores, infection, or open skin in the treatment area requires postponement. 

Apply cool compresses gently for warmth and discomfort during the first 24 hours. No pressure. 

Wait to wash your face for at least 4–6 hours after treatment. When you do, use gentle cleansing only—a fragrance-free cleanser with lukewarm water. Pat dry, and no scrubbing. 

Hydrate the skin with a bland, fragrance-free moisturizer. 

Avoid makeup on the treatment area for 24 hours. 

Pause active ingredients—retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and exfoliants—for 5–7 days or until skin is fully healed. 

Avoid exercise or sweating for 24–48 hours. 

Avoid heat, including saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, hot yoga, and tanning beds, for 72 hours. 

Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, and oceans for 72 hours. 

Protect your skin from the sun. Wear SPF 30+ daily, reapply every 2 hours, and use a wide-brim hat outdoors. 

Reintroduce actives slowly. Restart retinoids, acids, and vitamin C only after 5–7 days or once skin is fully healed, as tolerated. 

Avoid other facial treatments—peels, additional lasers, microneedling, RF, or ultrasound—for 2 weeks. Professional facials and facial massage should also wait 2 weeks. 

Hold neurotoxin and filler in the treated area for 2 weeks unless directed by your provider. 

Plan your treatment series. Most patients benefit from a series of 3–4 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart, as recommended by your provider. 

Warmth and redness similar to a mild sunburn, usually resolving within 24–72 hours. 

Mild swelling during the first 24–48 hours, especially around the eyes. 

Sandpaper-like texture and bronzing on days 2–4. 

Dark dots ("MENDS") with a small "coffee-grounds" appearance on days 2–7 as treated skin pushes to the surface. Do not pick—they slough off naturally. 

Light flaking or peeling on days 4–7 as the skin remodels. 

Mild itching as your skin heals—do not scratch. 

Pain that is worsening or not controlled by Tylenol. 

Redness or swelling that increases after 72 hours rather than improving. 

Signs of infection, including spreading redness, warmth, drainage, pus, fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills. 

Blistering or open weeping areas. 

A cold sore outbreak in or near the treatment area. 

Hives, intense itching, or a rash that does not resolve. 

New or worsening skin discoloration—dark patches, light patches, or persistent unevenness beyond 2 weeks. 

Burning or stinging that does not subside within 24 hours.