I’ll hazard a guess that we all feel a little more self-conscious about our skin during winter. Whether you’re particularly bothered by your pores being more salient than usual, or concerned about the growing number of wrinkles and fine lines on your forehead, the cold weather and dark days have a way of amplifying these “flaws”. Interestingly, that’s when treatments like BBL and MOXI, which are low risk, high reward, are the most sought-after.
I decided to try the winning combo at The Devine Clinic, a newly launched aesthetics clinic perched in the chic Cavendish Square – neighbouring all the other prestigious aesthetics treatment places on Harley Street – to see what the hype is all about. When you’re spending upwards of £850 on a treatment, you best be laser-focused (pun intended) on making sure every penny counts.
So, if you’re researching this treatment or seeking a non-invasive way to get a visible glow-up, or get rid of stubborn redness or spots that are pestering your skin – this review is for you. I’ll preface this review by admitting (quite proudly) that my skin usually behaves splendidly. I’ve got normal skin, slightly on the drier side with a more oily T-zone, and no signs of breakouts or scarring. That’s me done with the boasting – now, here’s all you need to know about the treatment, post-treatment effects, and results.
What is a BBL and MOXI treatment?
The first few people I told about my BBL treatment have brazenly and candidly questioned my life choices. “Brazilian Butt Lift?” Not quite.
BBL is BroadBand Light that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) over a range of wavelengths to target chromophores (pigment and blood-carrying molecules) in the skin. This light gently heats these areas and breaks them down. The body then clears the pigment and reduces redness. The result is a more even tone, as it helps improve discolouration and pigmentation like redness, rosacea, freckles and sun spots.
MOXI is a non-ablative fractional laser. It creates microscopic heat zones in the skin (tiny injuries) that trigger the skin’s natural repair response, boosting collagen and elastin production. While BBL is all about evening tone, MOXI is all about refining texture. It’s often described as a “prejuvenation” skin treatment, used to prevent (rather than resolve) deeper lines, dullness and wrinkles.
What are the benefits of a BBL and MOXI treatment?
The results of BBL and MOXI are complementary, so it’s only natural for clinics to offer these treatments as a package for higher impact. If you’re aiming for a glow-up, and willing to open your wallet, why not do the full Monty anyways?
In short, a BBL and MOXI treatment is set to get your skin looking more even, brighten your complexion, boost clarity, and smooth texture and fine lines. It really is a mini glow up (and I’m saying mini because the downtime is close to zero, so it doesn’t feel like a high-commitment decision).
My BBL and MOXI treatment at the Devine Clinic
The Devine Clinic is, quite simply, one of the most striking spaces I’ve stepped into – and I’ve seen my fair share of treatment rooms. Yes, I’m partial to curved walls and a perfectly judged palette of warm neutrals, so perhaps I’m biased. But even if “50 shades of beige” isn’t your design love language, there’s something undeniably calming about the space. From the moment you walk through the door, the atmosphere is softer and calming, which is exactly what you want before someone points a laser at your face.
Another standout aspect of The Devine Clinic is its approach to patient care. Dr Richard Devine, founder and lead aesthetics doctor, is firmly guided by health before aesthetics – meaning every treatment must be clinically appropriate first, and visually harmonious second. The goal isn’t transformation for transformation’s sake, but results that look natural and balanced.
Of course, every clinic describes itself as “patient-centred” (imagine if that wasn’t the case). But after visiting and speaking with Dr Devine, it’s clear this isn’t marketing rhetoric. His decisions are grounded in science and long-term results and skin health. That ethos shapes the entire experience.
About the treatment itself
Scanning and numbing
The treatment takes about two hours, starting with a thorough scan of your face (brace yourself to see some things you don’t want to see). I was then slathered with numbing cream and waited 30 minutes for the cream to set. Zero pain so far.
Once the wait is over and you can’t feel your face anymore (you will!), the doctor will take you through the results of your scan and have a conversation about the key concerns you’re looking to target. Your skin analysis covers brown spots, texture, red areas and pores and rates them from 1–5, with 5 being very severe (yes, this will be the most depressing two minutes of your day).
BBL
You’ll start with the BBL – this one lasts about 15–20 minutes. The doctor will apply some gel across your face; your eyes are covered and all you’ll feel is some slight targeted heat moving around your face. If you’re a creative person, you can even transport yourself to Zante, Greece, and enjoy a sunbathing session by the beach (pre or post the Margaritas).
MOXI
Then comes the MOXI – the doctor will have to cleanse your face and apply gel again. MOXI was slightly more painful for me. Nothing unbearable (and I did ask for high intensity) but a little more intense and targeted pains (it felt like I was being poked). It lasted around 15–20 minutes as well. And off you go – ready to enjoy your dinner.
Results post-treatment
I was mildly flushed but flushed as in just came back from a week in Spain, not flushed as in something’s gone horribly wrong. Felt a slight heat for the first few hours but nothing that bothered me at all.
In fact, I went straight from the clinic to a dinner out – and if it wasn’t for my own self-consciousness – I would have been more than fine. You can also keep your mascara, which helps you feel a little more put together, especially if you’re going out afterwards.
First week
While there was no downtime, watching the effects of the treatment unfold felt like a rather marvellous science experiment. In the first day after the treatment, my skin was a little pink-hued throughout and started to form a grainy, sandpaper-like texture.
On day 2–3, I started to notice tiny black dots popping out of my skin (which was incredibly satisfying to see up close). These are called MENDs (Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris) – tiny treated areas rising to the surface.
Seven days to 3 weeks
The skin felt a little drier and rough within the first five to seven days, but it got gradually smoother as the pigmented spots started to fade. I felt my skin oiler than usual after that but it could have well been because I had gotten overly enthusiastic about moisturisation (a good moisturiser is key during the “recovery” process). You can see the pigmented spots slowly fading away in some areas below.
Before and after
Once my old skin had shed, my “new” skin felt plumper and more glowing – really like I’ve just done a facial, but with more long-lasting results. None of my brown spots disappeared (they’ve been with me through the good and the bad times so I wasn’t expecting them to). But otherwise, I did notice a subtle glow. I will say, however, that doctors typically recommend three sessions for optimal results; and if you have a particular concern, you might have more visible effects. The lighting is different in the photos below so the before and after is slightly skewed – but I have no makeup in either photo except for mascara.
Verdict
Overall, if you do want to try a glow-up treatment ahead of summer, I’d be much more inclined to recommend this over more abrasive treatments with potential downtime and a much heftier price tag. And the Devine Clinic is an absolutely stunning place with qualified, caring professionals. I’d put my precious skin in the hands of Dr Devine any time of the day.
Key details
Address: 4 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0PG
Email address: info@devineclinic.com
Phone number: 0208 103 4500
Website: devineclinic.com
Socials: @devine.clinic
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