LaseMD vs Clear + Brilliant vs Fraxel vs MOXI: Gentle Lasers Compared

LaseMD, Clear + Brilliant, Fraxel and MOXI are all non-ablative fractional lasers: they treat tiny columns of skin without removing the surface, so recovery is quick. MOXI, LaseMD and the Clear + Brilliant Perméa handpiece all use the 1927 nm wavelength, which works near the surface and is especially good for dull tone, sun damage, brown spots and early texture, with a day or two of redness. The original Clear + Brilliant (1440 nm) is the gentlest, built for prevention and pores. Fraxel Dual adds a deeper 1550 nm wavelength, so it does more for wrinkles and acne scars, with more downtime. The device matters less than matching the strength to your skin and goals.

This guide compares the four side by side, explains which suits which concern and skin tone, and why we use MOXI at our Carlsbad studio.

Gentle lasers compared

Laser	Wavelength and strength	Best for and downtime
MOXI (Sciton)	1927 nm, non-ablative fractional; adjustable from light to moderate	Tone, sun damage, brown spots, early texture and fine lines; mild redness for a day or two
LaseMD (Lutronic)	1927 nm thulium, non-ablative fractional	Similar to MOXI; tone, brown spots and texture, often paired with serums; a day or two of redness
Clear + Brilliant (Solta)	1440 nm original handpiece; 1927 nm Perméa handpiece; low energy	Prevention, pores, glow and mild pigment; the gentlest, with a few hours to a day of redness
Fraxel Dual (Solta)	1550 nm (deeper) plus 1927 nm (surface), non-ablative fractional	Wrinkles, acne scars and heavier sun damage; about 3 to 7 days of redness and swelling

How these lasers work

A fractional laser makes thousands of microscopic treatment columns while leaving the skin in between untouched. The untreated skin speeds healing, and the treated columns trigger renewal and new collagen. Non-ablative lasers heat the skin without removing the surface, unlike ablative lasers such as CO2 or erbium.

The wavelength decides the depth. The 1927 nm wavelength is absorbed strongly by water near the surface, so it targets the upper layers where sun damage and pigment sit, with little downtime. The 1440 nm wavelength used in the original Clear + Brilliant works at very low energy for gentle refreshing. The 1550 nm wavelength in Fraxel reaches deeper into the dermis, which is why it does more for wrinkles and scars, and why it needs more recovery.

Which laser is right for you?

• Dull skin, early sun damage, preventionMOXI, LaseMD or Clear + Brilliant, as a series and then maintenance.
• Brown spots and uneven toneA 1927 nm laser such as MOXI, often paired with a BBL photofacial for redness and spots.
• Medium to darker skinGentle 1927 nm or 1440 nm settings are usually the safer choice, with careful prep. See Fitzpatrick skin types.
• MelasmaGentle, low-density 1927 nm treatment can help some people, but melasma can flare with heat; it needs a careful plan. See what causes melasma.
• Acne scars and deeper linesA deeper treatment such as Fraxel 1550, HALO or Morpheus8 does more. See depressed acne scars.
• Heavy sun damage, more change in fewer sessionsA hybrid laser such as HALO. See MOXI vs HALO.

MOXI vs Fraxel

MOXI and the 1927 nm side of Fraxel Dual work in a similar way at the surface. The main difference is that Fraxel Dual also has a 1550 nm wavelength that reaches deeper, so it can do more for wrinkles and scars in exchange for more downtime and usually more discomfort. MOXI is designed for regular, low-downtime treatment that keeps skin clear and bright, and its settings can be adjusted for all skin tones. Deeper concerns usually need HALO or Morpheus8 rather than MOXI alone.

What to expect

• Before: avoid sun and self-tanner for a few weeks and pause retinoids as advised. If you get cold sores, tell us beforehand.
• During: a numbing cream, then a treatment of around 10 to 20 minutes for the face that feels warm and prickly.
• After: pink, warm skin like a mild sunburn, then a rough, sandpaper feel for a few days as tiny treated areas flake away.
• Results: brighter skin within about a week, building over the series.
• Aftercare: gentle cleanser, moisturizer and daily sunscreen.

Laser cost in Carlsbad

MOXI is priced by treatment area and number of sessions at your consultation, and new clients save 15% on MOXI packages. At Glow Theory we offer MOXI and HALO, which between them cover the same range of concerns.

MOXI laser in Carlsbad

We look at your skin type, concerns and schedule and recommend MOXI, HALO or a combination with BBL. Learn more about MOXI and HALO, read about textured skin, or book a consultation at our studio on El Camino Real in South Carlsbad.