Sciton HALO vs MOXI Laser: What’s The Difference Between MOXI & HALO

When it comes to choosing between two of the most advanced laser skin technologies, understanding the difference between Sciton’s HALO and MOXI is essential. This HALO vs MOXI comparison highlights the key distinctions in treatment depth, recovery time, and ideal candidates so you can choose the best option for your skin goals.

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What is the difference between MOXI and HALO?

The main difference between HALO and MOXI is the depth and intensity of treatment. HALO is a hybrid fractional laser that targets both the epidermis and dermis for deeper resurfacing, while MOXI is a gentler, non-ablative laser designed for superficial revitalization and maintenance with minimal downtime.

HALO is better suited for addressing more advanced skin concerns like sun damage, uneven texture, and deeper wrinkles. It combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to stimulate collagen and target the deeper dermal layers.

MOXI, on the other hand, is often recommended for younger patients or those looking for preventative care or subtle improvements. It’s ideal for improving skin tone, mild pigmentation, and early signs of aging with less recovery time.

To explore which is best for your goals, visit our page on facial rejuvenation Chicago treatment, learn more about the facial aesthetic treatments we offer, or see how MOXI vs BBL compares for maintaining glowing, youthful skin year-round.

Each option offers unique benefits, and we’re here to help guide you to the best choice for your skin.

Sciton HALO vs MOXI laser comparison chart

Choosing between MOXI and HALO depends on your skin type, goals, lifestyle, and how aggressive you want your laser treatments to be. Below is a detailed comparison chart to help you understand the strengths and ideal uses of each option.

Whether you’re looking for preventive care or dramatic results, this chart will guide you toward the right treatment for your unique needs.

Comparison	HALO	MOXI
Pricing	$$$ (higher due to intensity and downtime)	$$ (more affordable and lower-intensity)
Procedure	Hybrid fractional laser using laser energy at two wavelengths	Gentle non-ablative fractional laser
Laser type	Aggressive laser combining ablative and non-ablative resurfacing treatments	Non-ablative only – ideal for light resurfacing and maintenance treatments
For specific outcomes	Best for skin resurfacing treatments, fine lines and wrinkles, appearance of scars, sun damage	Best for early signs of aging, skin texture, and brightening
Treatments needed	Usually 1–2 HALO laser treatments per year	3–4 MOXI uses per year for consistent maintenance
Recovery time	3–4 days of redness, peeling, and skin sensitivity	24 hours of mild redness and tightness
Candidates by age	Best for 30+ with moderate to severe skin damage and signs of aging	Ideal for 20s–40s or anyone seeking preventative care
Long lasting results	Yes – targets deeper into the skin for more dramatic, long-term improvements	Yes – but requires more frequent treatments to maintain skin health
Depth of treatment	Reaches a deeper level than MOXI, making it more intensive	Light, superficial treatment that refreshes the surface
Best for	Damage and signs of aging from years of sun, discoloration, texture issues	Minor tone issues, safe for all skin tones, way to treat early signs of aging
Skin type compatibility	Works best on light to medium skin tones	Safe for all skin types and tones
Pairing options	Often paired with BBL, microneedling, or chemical peels	Can be combined with BBL or skincare regimens for enhanced results
Ideal for resurfacing?	Yes – deeper resurfacing, collagen boost, halo treatment results last longer	Light resurfacing for a fresh glow – minimal disruption
Downtime	Moderate – plan for social downtime after halo laser treatment	Minimal – suitable for lunch break appointments
Visible improvement	1 treatment can show major changes	Gradual, with best results after 2–3 sessions
Scarring & sun damage	Excellent way to treat skin damage and scarring	Helps with tone and texture, but not for deep scarring

Sciton MOXI vs HALO laser: A deeper look

Both the Sciton HALO and MOXI lasers are powerful tools for skin renewal, but they serve different purposes. HALO is more aggressive and penetrates deeper into the skin, making it ideal for those with visible signs of aging or skin damage. MOXI, on the other hand, is designed as a gentler, non-ablative treatment that works best for early prevention and maintenance.

Here’s a detailed HALO vs MOXI comparison to help you choose the right treatment.

HALO vs MOXI pricing

HALO treatments are typically more expensive ($$$) due to their greater intensity, dual-wavelength technology, and longer recovery time. MOXI, at a lower price point ($$), offers a budget-friendly option for patients looking for maintenance or subtle improvements. While HALO is a more significant investment, its transformative results often require fewer sessions.

MOXI laser vs HALO procedure

Our HALO Chicago treatments are done with a hybrid fractional laser that delivers laser energy at two wavelengths—ablative and non-ablative—allowing it to target both the surface and deeper into the skin. This makes HALO a more comprehensive skin resurfacing solution.

MOXI, by contrast, uses a thulium laser and is strictly non-ablative, meaning it creates controlled heat without vaporizing skin tissue. It’s gentler, with minimal discomfort, and is often described as a lunchtime treatment with no anesthesia or extended prep required.

Laser type

This is a key difference between the two:

HALO is an ablative and non-ablative laser combined—ideal for addressing deeper issues like fine lines, scarring, and years of sun damage. It resurfaces the skin on a more aggressive level, stimulating collagen and improving overall skin tone and texture.
So, what does MOXI laser do for your skin? MOXI is non-ablative, working on the surface level. It is best for regular maintenance treatments and early signs of aging, delivering a fresh, healthy glow without significant downtime.

Learn more about ablative vs non ablative laser technologies if you’re unsure which approach your skin may need.

HALO or MOXI for for specific outcomes

Both lasers address skin issues but in different ways.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

HALO penetrates deeper and is better at reducing etched-in lines and wrinkles.
MOXI helps soften fine lines and prevent them from forming.

Sun Damage

HALO excels at reversing damage and signs of aging from prolonged sun exposure.
MOXI works well for mild pigmentation and evening out skin tone.

Scars & Texture

HALO significantly improves the appearance of scars and rough skin texture.
MOXI can lightly improve tone and mild textural irregularities.

Collagen Production

Both stimulate collagen, but HALO does so on a deeper level than MOXI, leading to longer-lasting structural changes in the skin.

HALO laser vs MOXI treatments needed

HALO typically requires 1–2 sessions per year due to its depth and intensity.
MOXI is usually done as a series (often 3–4 sessions annually) for optimal results, especially when used as a preventative or maintenance tool.

Some patients benefit from a combination—moxi and halo laser treatments alternating throughout the year to balance long-term results and maintenance.

MOXI vs HALO recovery time

HALO recovery includes 3–4 days of redness, peeling, and sensitivity, especially in the first 48 hours. Social downtime is often needed.
MOXI has a much shorter recovery—just 24 hours of mild redness and tightness, making it perfect for those with busy schedules.

HALO vs MOXI candidates by age

HALO is best suited for individuals 30 and older, especially those with moderate to severe skin damage from years of sun or aging.
MOXI is great for those in their 20s to 40s, particularly patients looking to prevent early signs of aging and maintain a healthy, radiant look over time.

MOXI or HALO for long lasting results?

HALO results tend to be more dramatic and long-lasting due to its ability to reach deeper into the skin. Some improvements continue for months post-treatment.
Our MOXI laser Chicago services deliver subtle, glowing results that last but require more frequent sessions to sustain skin health.

Best for Resurfacing?

HALO is a clear winner for deep resurfacing treatments, especially for those wanting a transformation. It’s also used to chisel away damage and signs of aging.
MOXI offers light resurfacing—perfect for ongoing care without the downtime.

Skin Type Compatibility

MOXI is safe for all skin tones and types, making it a versatile option.
HALO works best on fair to medium skin tones and requires more care when used on darker complexions.

Pairing Options

HALO is often paired with BBL, microneedling, or chemical peels for total skin rejuvenation.
MOXI is also frequently combined with BBL or customized facial aesthetic treatments for glowing results.

Downtime

HALO has moderate downtime; you’ll want to plan ahead for halo laser treatment days.
MOXI is a true walk-in/walk-out treatment with minimal disruption.

Visible Improvement

HALO often shows significant change after just one treatment.
MOXI builds results gradually, with best results appearing after 2–3 sessions.

Scarring & Sun Damage

HALO is one of the best ways to treat deep skin damage and signs of scarring and discoloration.
MOXI can help with pigmentation and tone, but it’s not designed for deeper scars.

Is MOXI or HALO laser better? Our conclusion

Both options offer transformative benefits, but they serve very different purposes within the world of skin and laser skin resurfacing treatments.

MOXI laser treatment is best for younger patients or those with early signs of aging, uneven tone, or mild pigmentation. It’s a preventive option designed to maintain your skin and prevent further damage, especially from environmental factors and sun exposure. Because MOXI is designed as a non-ablative laser, it works gently on the surface of the skin, stimulating new cell turnover without disrupting the skin’s surface.

MOXI is ideal for skin that still feels healthy but looks a little tired or dull.
Most clients benefit from 3–4 MOXI treatments per year to keep your skin looking refreshed and even.
It’s also a great treatment for melasma, as it’s safe for sensitive or reactive skin types.
MOXI is the perfect way to begin your journey into laser resurfacing if you’re new to treatments.
With 3–4 days after a MOXI session being mostly limited to mild redness or dryness, there’s little interruption to your routine.

Because of its safety profile and gentle approach, MOXI is suitable for all skin types and tones, making it a popular choice for year-round maintenance.

HALO is a more aggressive treatment meant for patients who need deeper, long-term correction—especially those with skin that is looking older, more uneven, or visibly damaged. It uses two laser wavelengths: one that targets the skin’s surface, and another laser wavelength that goes deeper into the skin than MOXI. This dual approach allows HALO to treat both texture and tone, encouraging collagen remodeling and skin tightening.

HALO can also address deeper wrinkles, scarring, and years of sun exposure damage.
It’s ideal if you want visible results from just one HALO treatment per year, though some halo patients opt for two depending on the severity of their concerns.
Because HALO laser targets deeper tissue, it comes with a longer recovery period than MOXI—expect downtime for HALO around 4–7 days.
You’ll typically need numbing cream before the treatment due to its intensity, and you may want to plan around social events.

For patients wanting to customize HALO to their exact needs, it offers flexibility in intensity and depth, making it a go-to for people seeking the best laser treatment for texture, tone, and rejuvenation.

In many cases, the best results come from combining the two. MOXI and HALO laser treatments can be used strategically—HALO once a year for major correction, and MOXI treatments per year to maintain those results. This approach fits well into a holistic skin treatment strategy and is often recommended by top dermatology partners.

Use MOXI to brighten the skin and preserve collagen between HALO sessions.
Use HALO to correct deeper issues and reverse accumulated damage.
Together, halo and moxi laser treatments can create smoother, firmer, more even skin over time.

Still unsure how to choose the right laser for your needs? Here’s a quick guide:

Go with MOXI if you’re younger, want minimal downtime, and are focused on prevention or subtle glow-ups.
Choose HALO if you’re targeting deeper issues and are ready for a laser wavelength that goes deeper and delivers more dramatic change.
Combine both for the most balanced and customizable right treatment plan.

Both HALO and MOXI are exceptional in their own right—your provider can help you determine what’s right for your skin and tailor your treatments accordingly. Whether you’re after prevention or transformation, Solve Clinics is here as the best med spa Chicago has to offer to help you love your skin for years to come.