What is Clear + Brilliant® Laser Treatment? (And Will It Work for Me?)

Let’s face it: There comes a time when we start to notice we don’t look as young as we used to. Even in our late 20s and early 30s, sun damage begins to rear its ugly head via dark spots and freckles, and we might see fine lines around our mouths from laughing, or creases between our eyes from frowning. But thanks to the invention of laser skin care treatment, it’s possible to start combating these signs of aging before major skin damage and deep wrinkles settle in—and it doesn’t require surgery. Clear + Brilliant® is a gentle laser treatment that stimulates the production of collagen to achieve smoother, even, radiant skin.

How is Clear + Brilliant®  used?

Clear + Brilliant® is a gentle laser treatment designed to address early signs of aging and sun damage. It works by creating thousands of tiny channels in the top layers of the skin, kickstarting the body’s natural healing process. As skin repairs itself, it replaces damaged cells with healthier ones, giving skin an appearance that is smoother, softer, and more even in tone. It’s especially effective for reducing fine lines, improving skin texture, minimizing large pores, and giving your complexion a fresher, more youthful look.

There’s also a version called Clear + Brilliant® Permea, which is designed to target issues related to pigmentation—like brown spots, melasma, or uneven skin tone. This version treats issues closer to the skin surface, and is often paired with topical antioxidants for enhanced results. Permea is a good option for people who are mostly concerned with discoloration or dullness, and want noticeable improvement without having to take time off for recovery. Both versions are quick, comfortable, and well‑suited for people who want a boost in skin clarity and glow without more invasive procedures.

How does Clear + Brilliant® differ from other laser skin care treatments?

One main difference between Clear + Brilliant® and other rejuvenating options is that Clear + Brilliant® laser treatment is non-ablative. While ablative lasers such as those used in Fraxel and CO2 treatment remove the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) to stimulate new skin growth, non-ablative lasers deliver a wavelength of light below the skin’s surface without puncturing the skin. This induces a controlled injury which promotes the production of collagen, resulting in tighter, firmer, smoother skin.

It’s important to keep in mind that ablative lasers are not necessarily bad; in fact, they are very effective for patients who have significant signs of aging or deep, pitted acne scars. But since ablative treatment removes the skin, patients often need a week or two to recover during the healing process. Non-ablative laser treatments like Clear + Brilliant®, on the other hand, are best for improving skin texture and tone, reducing fine lines, and minimizing pigmentation issues. After treatment, patients may experience some redness or swelling but can usually return to work the next day.

Another advantage to Clear + Brilliant® is that it can be used on all skin tones. Typically, patients with darker skin are at a higher risk of burning, scarring, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (making the skin darken) or hypopigmentation (making the skin lose color) after undergoing more aggressive laser skin care treatment. However, the laser designed for Clear + Brilliant®is safe and effective for all skin types.

What happens during a Clear + Brilliant® session?

For optimum comfort during treatment, your provider should first apply a topical numbing cream to your face so that you can remain comfortable during your session.

Once your face is numb, your dermatologist will gently guide the Clear + Brilliant® handpiece across the target area and actively treat your skin for about 15 minutes. The patented Intelligent Optical Tracking™ System (IOTS™) will ensure your dermatologist maintains proper contact with your skin and provides a uniform application to all treated areas. The total session from beginning to end should take less than an hour.

What is recovery like?

Right after treatment, you may experience some redness and mild swelling, but that usually stops within about 12 hours. Some itchiness or sensitivity to touch/temperature are not uncommon; these are just signs of the skin renewal process. Your skin will start to feel rough and may start to peel. Don’t mess with it! Just follow your doctor’s orders for moisturizing, which is typically to apply hydrocortisone 1% mixed with Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, up to three times a day. Then, let nature take its course.

In addition to moisturizing, your provider will tell you what to avoid, including:

  • Sweating and direct heat for 24 hours. This means no sauna, steam room, or exercise.
  • Hot baths or showers. Instead, use cool water and gentle soap for several days.
  • Makeup on the treated area.
  • Direct sun exposure and tanning beds. If you do go outdoors, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Harsh soaps or washes, retinols, peels, or scented lotions
  • Swimming or hot tubs

What results can I expect?

At first, dark spots that were on your face prior to treatment might look even darker, and your face will feel rough. Within a week or so, your skin will be softer, smoother, and more even.

For best results, your provider will recommend repeating treatment after several weeks. Subsequent sessions allow collagen production to increase deep within the skin, which can help fill in lines and improve texture imperfections. As more superficial dead skin cells fall off, you’ll see a brighter complexion.

After around three to six sessions spaced several weeks apart, you should notice:

  • Smaller pores. As skin tightens, pore size is naturally reduced
  • Brighter skin. Clear + Brilliant® laser treatment rejuvenates dull, damaged skin by stimulating collagen production and promoting cellular turnover, leading to a more radiant complexion
  • Fewer fine lines. As collagen plumps the skin, fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable
  • More even skin tone. This type of laser skin care treatment reduces the appearance of dark spots, so you’ll see less hyperpigmentation and reduced freckles and other sun damage

Is Clear + Brilliant® laser treatment right for everyone?

As we mentioned above, most skin tones can benefit from Clear and Brilliant. However, there are some people with skin conditions or medical concerns that are not a good match for laser skin care treatment, such as those who:

  • Have a diagnosis of melasma, rosacea, actinic keratosis, or skin cancer
  • Have active eczema or psoriasis
  • Have current skin infections, cold sores, open wounds, rashes, or burns
  • Have a history of keloid formation or excessive scarring
  • Have an immune system disorder such as HIV or lupus
  • Are sensitive to light, or are currently taking photosensitizing agents or medications
  • Are currently taking systemic steroids like prednisone
  • Are undergoing isotretinoin acne treatment or using similar drugs
  • Have used retinoids in the past 2 weeks
  • Have had botulinum toxin injections or dermal fillers in the past 2 weeks
  • Are recovering from a cosmetic procedure such as laser resurfacing or a chemical peel

If you are dealing with any of the above, your provider will suggest choosing a different rejuvenating solution or putting off treatment until a better time.

Intrigued by laser skin care treatment? Discover which option is best for you.

Ablative or non-ablative? Deep wrinkles or fine lines? Acne scars or sun damage? There are a lot of questions to address when it comes to choosing the rejuvenating laser treatment that will be best suited to your skin. The safest and most effective way to choose a solution that will meet your specific needs and aesthetic goals is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Providers at Forefront want what’s best for our patients and will be happy to tell you if Clear + Brilliant® is the best choice for you. Contact a location near you now.

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