Clear + Brilliant Laser: The Complete Guide to Glowier, Healthier Skin
Everything you need to know about Clear + Brilliant laser, from how it works to the real-life results, pre- and post-care, and who it’s best for.
Everything You Need to Know About the Clear + Brilliant Laser
The Clear + Brilliant laser treatment is a favorite among skincare enthusiasts and dermatologists alike for its ability to refresh the skin with little downtime. If you’re looking for a gentle but effective way to target early signs of aging, boost radiance, and maintain your glow, this comprehensive guide gives you the in-depth insights you need before booking.
What Is the Clear + Brilliant Laser?
Clear + Brilliant is a non-ablative fractional laser designed to rejuvenate the skin from within—minimizing pore size, smoothing fine lines, and evening skin tone. Think of it as a “baby Fraxel” or a gentle introduction to in-office resurfacing for those not ready (or interested) in intense downtime or aggressive options.
- Uses fractional laser technology to create microscopic columns of thermal injury in the skin, sparking your natural healing process.
- These micro-injuries boost collagen and elastin production, key proteins for smoothness and firmness.
- Targets the upper layers without damaging surrounding tissue—increasing safety and comfort.
- Effective for treating the face, neck, chest, and back of hands.
This treatment is FDA-cleared and considered ideal for most skin types, making it accessible and versatile for many skin concerns.
What Skin Concerns Does Clear + Brilliant Treat?
The laser is best known for its ability to:
- Soften fine lines and early wrinkles
- Minimize the appearance of large pores
- Fade hyperpigmentation, like melasma, acne marks, and sunspots
- Improve uneven skin tone and rough texture
- Boost overall radiance and skin clarity
- Reverse early visible signs of aging
This makes it especially popular among those hoping to preserve their skin’s youthful qualities, treat mild damage, and keep a fresh glow year-round.
How Does Clear + Brilliant Work?
Fractional laser technology is the science behind Clear + Brilliant. Here’s how it works:
- A specialized handpiece is gently glided across the skin’s surface, delivering thousands of pinpoint laser beams.
- These beams create controlled, microscopic treatment zones (“thermal injury”) that prompt the skin’s healing mechanisms.
- Intact surrounding tissue accelerates repair—new, healthy skin cells quickly replace damaged ones.
- This process increases collagen/elastin, refines texture, and brightens the complexion.
- The result: progressively more radiant, even skin with only minimal downtime.
Types of Clear + Brilliant: The Original and Clear + Brilliant Touch
There are two main versions of Clear + Brilliant:
| Version | Wavelength(s) | Targets | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear + Brilliant Original | 1440nm or 1927nm | 1440nm: Deeper rejuvenation (pores/texture) 1927nm: Surface pigmentation/dullness | Early anti-aging, overall glow |
| Clear + Brilliant Touch | Both 1440nm & 1927nm in one session | Combines benefits of both wavelengths | More customized, multi-layered results |
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What to Expect: The Step-by-Step Clear + Brilliant Experience
The Clear + Brilliant procedure is efficient, comfortable, and designed for minimal disruption to your routine. Here’s the typical office visit, step by step:
- Step 1: Cleansing — Your provider will start by thoroughly cleansing your face, ensuring all oil, makeup, and impurities are removed for optimal laser penetration.
- Step 2: Numbing — A topical numbing cream is applied and left on for 15–20 minutes, dramatically reducing any potential discomfort during the treatment.
- Step 3: The Treatment — The provider glides the laser handpiece across your skin in a grid pattern. You may feel slight heat or a prickling sensation, but most patients report it as very tolerable.
- Step 4: Aftercare — The numbing is wiped off, and a cooling/healing serum or mask may be applied. Sunscreen application wraps up the visit.
Total appointment time is usually around 45–60 minutes, with the laser itself taking 15–20 minutes.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
Clear + Brilliant is intended as a treatment series for best results:
- 4–6 initial sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart are typically recommended for maximum improvement.
- After a series, most patients choose maintenance sessions a few times per year to maintain results.
- You’ll notice immediate glow and smoothness after one treatment, but optimal results develop over several visits as collagen and cell turnover increase.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Clear + Brilliant?
This laser treatment is highly versatile and safe for most skin types and tones. It’s best suited for people who:
- Want to address mild to moderate signs of aging
- Prefer minimal downtime
- Value a preventive approach to aging and skincare
- Struggle with uneven texture, pores, or early pigment issues
- Avoid more aggressive laser options or have no time for lengthy recovery
Contraindications include those with active skin infections, suspicious lesions, or recent use of medications that affect healing (such as Accutane—always let your provider know your health history).
Preparing for Your Clear + Brilliant Session: Beforecare Tips
- Pause harsh actives: Discontinue retinoids, exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic), and any acne medications 3–7 days prior.
- Avoid intensive sun exposure: Stay out of tanning beds and limit direct sunlight.
- Let your provider know if you have a history of cold sores or have used Accutane in the last year—special precautions may be required.
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin if possible.
What Does Clear + Brilliant Feel Like?
The treatment is designed to be gentle. Most patients report:
- A sensation of warmth or prickling as the laser passes over the skin.
- Numbing cream keeps discomfort to a minimum.
- Occasional mild redness and a “sunburn” feeling for a few hours post-treatment.
There is no significant pain, and there’s typically no need for painkillers afterward.
Aftercare and Downtime: Your Road to Glow
Clear + Brilliant is loved for its minimal downtime:
- Redness: Expect flushed skin (like after a workout or mild sunburn) for a few hours to up to two days.
- Texture changes: Skin often feels rough or “sandpapery” for 5–7 days as old cells slough off and new ones come to the surface.
- Minor swelling or dryness may also occur for a day or two.
To maximize healing and your final results:
- Cleanse gently twice daily with a mild cleanser.
- Moisturize liberally morning and night with a gentle, bland moisturizer.
- Do not pick, scrub, or exfoliate the skin for at least a week—let dryness or flaking resolve naturally.
- Avoid harsh skin products, including retinoids and acids, for 5–7 days post-procedure.
- Wear broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) diligently—even indoors, as treated skin is extra-sensitive to UV damage.
- Avoid intense exercise and heat (hot yoga, saunas) for 1–2 days after.
Results: When Will You See Changes?
Clear + Brilliant delivers both immediate and ongoing improvements:
- First few days: Skin will look flushed, then slightly dry or grainy.
- After one week: Noticeably smoother skin as the top layer naturally exfoliates.
- 2–3 weeks post-treatment: A bright, even glow is most visible and continues to improve as collagen builds.
- Best results: Develop after a series—skin looks healthier, pores are minimized, pigment lightens, and lines fade.
- Maintenance keeps results consistent and long-lasting.
Side Effects and Safety
Clear + Brilliant is considered one of the safer laser options, with few risks when administered by an expert.
- Common side effects: Temporary redness, sensitivity, dryness, and a rough skin texture for a few days.
- Rare risks: Hyperpigmentation (especially if post-care and sun protection are ignored or in darker skin types), infection, or scarring.
Pro tip: Always have your laser performed by a licensed, experienced provider who can tailor settings and aftercare to your needs.
How Much Does Clear + Brilliant Cost?
Pricing for Clear + Brilliant varies depending on your provider and location. On average:
- Single session: $250–$450
- Series of 4–6 sessions: Discount packages often available
- Add-on areas (neck, chest, hands) increase cost
Check with your provider about bundled treatment offers for optimal value.
How to Choose the Right Provider
- Look for a licensed dermatologist or certified skincare professional with experience in laser treatments.
- Ask to see before-and-after photos and discuss your skin goals/concerns in detail.
- Ensure your provider discusses pretreatment and posttreatment care thoroughly.
- Avoid bargains or non-medical facilities to minimize risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear + Brilliant
Q: Is Clear + Brilliant painful?
Most patients describe it as a mild prickling or heat sensation, with numbing cream keeping discomfort very low. Pain is not typically a concern.
Q: Can it treat all skin tones?
Yes, Clear + Brilliant is considered safe for a wide range of skin tones and types. However, darker skin should be assessed carefully by an expert to minimize any risk of hyperpigmentation.
Q: What is the difference between Clear + Brilliant and more aggressive lasers (like Fraxel)?
Clear + Brilliant is “non-ablative” (does not vaporize or remove outer skin) and is much milder, with less downtime. Fraxel and similar lasers are typically for more advanced skin damage and require longer recovery, but deliver more dramatic results in a single treatment.
Q: When can I wear makeup after Clear + Brilliant?
You can typically apply makeup the next day, as long as your skin is not overly irritated or raw. Opt for mineral-based foundation initially and avoid heavy or scented formulations.
Q: How often should I get treatments?
A common plan is 4–6 treatments spaced 3–4 weeks apart, with maintenance every 3–6 months. Frequency can be adjusted per skin response and goals.
Q: Is there anyone who shouldn’t get Clear + Brilliant?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with open wounds or active skin infections, and patients on certain medications (like isotretinoin) should wait. Consult with your provider at your consultation.
Expert Tips for Getting the Most From Your Clear + Brilliant Laser
- Protect your investment: Use SPF 30+ every day, even if you’re mostly indoors.
- Stay consistent: Maintenance sessions and a year-round skincare routine maximize and prolong your results.
- Pair with gentle antioxidants, hydrating serums, and non-irritating actives when cleared by your provider.
- Be patient: Results are cumulative and get better with every treatment.
- Share your skin history and goals so your provider can fully customize your protocol.
Bottom Line: Is Clear + Brilliant Worth It?
For anyone seeking a gentle but effective approach to addressing early aging signs, pore size, or dullness, Clear + Brilliant stands out as an accessible, safe, and convenient option. With expert care, the right preparation, and an informed plan for aftercare and maintenance, you can achieve smoother, healthier, and more luminous skin—at just about any age.
References
- https://www.kraussdermatology.com/treatments/clear-and-brilliant/faqs-clear-and-brilliant/
- https://honeyskincarestudio.com/what-is-clear-and-brilliant-laser/
- https://www.thederminstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Pre-and-Post-Clear-and-Brilliant-Instructions-1-4-2016.pdf
- https://www.duncandermatology.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ClearAndBrilliantPreTreatment.pdf
- https://marmurmedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cosmopolitan.com-Clear-and-Brilliant-Laser-Treatments-Heres-What-You-Should-Know-1.pdf
- https://www.rebeccafitzgeraldmd.com/los-angeles-laser-treatments/clear-brilliant/treatment-guidelines/
- https://alluraderm.com/blog/clear-brilliant-for-fine-lines-and-wrinkles/
- https://www.clearandbrilliant.com
- https://celebrityskinscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Celebrity-Skin-Clear-Brilliant-Aftercare-Instructions.pdf
- https://www.drtorkian.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-laser-exfoliation/
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