I’ve tried all kinds of facials and tweakments, yet I had never tackled my pigmentation and ‘lifestyle’ sun spots which I have been becoming more conscious of with age. I’ve always used sunscreen when abroad when it is noticeably sunny, but when my skin was analysed by Dr Catharine Denning who had the most beautiful skin, and was an advocate for wearing sunscreen all year round, I made a mental promise to wear it everyday!
I was booked in for the BBL HEROic and MOXI from Sciton lasers are a formidable team of intelligent control pulsed light technology to tackle pigmentation, fine lines and sun damage and I was intrigued to find out more about this BroadBand Light which could apparently smooth my complexion and restore it to its carefree, glowy days! I actually had a Zoom consultation which sparked my interest, and thankfully Dr Denning was completely transparent about the procedure and we decided not to go ahead then. Reason being – your skin is left looking quite sunburned for the following week or so, and having an important meeting, we decided it was not a good idea.
The Treatment
Powered by science, the BBL machine is the most advanced intense pulsed light (IPL) device in the world. It works by delivering photothermal energy deep into the skin, targeting age spots, sun damage, redness, and broken capillaries. Think of it as an eraser for surface imperfections and deep-rooted pigmentation concerns.
Moxi, on the other hand, is a fractionated laser that gently resurfaces the skin to refine tone and texture. Designed for ‘pre-juvenation,’ it’s perfect for those looking to delay the visible signs of aging before they start. It helps combat early sun damage, shrink pores, smooth fine lines, and improve overall skin clarity. Together, BBL and Moxi create the ultimate powerhouse for skin renewal.
So when I found a good free week, I booked in for my session. My skin was cleansed and prepped for the first part which was the BBL. Consisting of short bursts of light energy to target my skin’s hyperpigmentation and redness, it felt like a series of elastic band snaps, which were annoying and quite harsh, but completely bearable, and I was promised that this was the worst part of the procedure as Dr D reassured me it was almost done!
Next was ‘Moxi’ – a laser designed to enhance skin renewal – my face was anaesthetised as the laser was firing heat and made it feel slightly prickly, but this part of the procedure seemed a lot quicker and less invasive, and the entire session took about 45 minutes.
The Healing Journey
Immediately post-treatment, my skin was red and felt warm, almost like a mild sunburn. Over the next few days, I noticed tiny, freckle-like spots appearing—these are called MENDS (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris), which form as the skin regenerates. This is a key sign that the laser is working, prompting the shedding of old, damaged cells to make way for fresh, youthful skin.
During this period, hydration and sun protection were essential. My post-care routine included a gentle cleanser, a deeply nourishing moisturizer, and religious application of SPF 30 or higher. As tempting as it was, I had to resist the urge to exfoliate or pick at the peeling skin—letting it shed naturally ensures optimal healing and prevents scarring. My boyfriend noticed that my skin looked scaly, but when the Clinic’s Aftercare Team checked in, I was assured that this was common as my skin responds to the laser skin rejuvenation treatment and is a sign that the laser is working to stimulate skin renewal and old, damaged skin is shedding.
By day five, the initial redness and swelling had subsided, and by day eight, my skin had transformed. My complexion was smoother – the sandpaper feeling had subsided and it was much more even-toned. I felt brighter as the visible pigmentation had faded too! It was like coming out of a chrysalis!
The Results
A week post-treatment, the results spoke for themselves. My skin was glowing with smaller pore and less visible sun-spots! What impressed me most was how my skin continued to improve over the following weeks as collagen production ramped up. By the one-month mark, my complexion looked healthier, plumper, and more radiant than ever. The treatment is a game-changer for anyone looking to refresh their skin, address pigmentation concerns, or simply maintain a youthful, healthy glow.
As a combination – Moxi helps skin tone and texture, while BBL treats age spots, sun damage, redness, broken facial vessels, wrinkles and dull skin and for a week’s worth of redness, I’ll definitely trade that in for up to a year’s worth of glowing skin!
For more information and to book
Marylebone Skin London & Heathfield, Unit 4, 10 Portman Square, London W1H 6AZ.
02071268305