Clear + Brilliant Touch is an FDA-cleared laser resurfacing treatment that combines two wavelengths of light to improve the complexion by:
It works by encouraging cellular turnover to refresh the skin’s surface while also heating the dermis (the middle layer of skin) to stimulate collagen remodeling and new collagen formation, improving firmness and radiance.
Clear + Brilliant Touch uses fractional laser technology, meaning that the laser energy is broken up into an array of tiny beams to treat a fraction of the skin while leaving the rest intact to support healing. Because it removes just 20% of the skin's surface, versus the 25% to 40% that’s removed (or ablated) with the Fraxel laser, it’s often referred to as “baby Fraxel."
Treatments take 20 to 30 minutes and come with little to no downtime, though most people require a series of treatment sessions for optimal results.
ProsÂ
Cons
Your Clear + Brilliant cost will depend on your provider’s level of experience, their practice location, and how many treatments you get.Â
Cosmetic procedures like this one aren’t covered by insurance, but some providers offer a discount for purchasing a series of multiple treatments up-front. Most also offer payment plans or accept third-party financing.
The Clear + Brilliant photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
In well-trained hands, the Clear + Brilliant Touch is safe for people of all skin tones. It’s an especially good skin rejuvenation option for younger patients showing early signs of aging and sun damage like minor pigmentation issues, fine lines, large pores, and uneven texture.Â
It also works well for those who want to maintain youthful-looking skin or extend the results of a more aggressive laser treatment.
Prior to your procedure, you should have a consultation with your provider to make sure you’re a good candidate. You’ll be asked about your lifestyle, what medications you take, and what kind of skin-care products you use. If a retinoid is part of your skin care regimen, you may be asked to stop using it for one to two weeks prior to and after the procedure.
On the day of the procedure:Â
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Since numbing cream is applied to the treatment area before your skin resurfacing treatment begins, it's likely that you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Some people experience some heat-related discomfort, but this isn't the case for everyone.
It's possible to feel a bit of discomfort post-procedure once the numbing cream has worn off. Applying cool compresses to the area can reduce this tenderness.
The number of treatments most people need to see the full benefit is three to six, spaced a week to a month apart, depending on your skin and your doctor’s preference. “Results from this procedure are best seen in a series of treatments,” says Dr. Brock Ridenour, a facial plastic surgeon in Saint Louis, Missouri.
After this initial series, plan to go in for one to three treatments twice a year, to maintain or improve on your results.
You may experience minor redness, swelling, discomfort, itchy skin, or acne or milia formation after your treatment. Most of these symptoms should subside in a few days, but acne and milia can take longer to resolve.Â
It's also possible to get a cold sore, if the treated area has been previously infected with the virus. If you’re concerned about this possibility, your provider can prescribe an antiviral medication for you to take prior to your procedure.
This laser treatment comes with minimal downtime. Your skin will look a little flushed and feel warm for up to 12 hours, and it will feel like sandpaper (from the dead skin cells that are sloughing off) for about a day.Â
To avoid hyperpigmentation, stay out of the sun during this time to avoid sunburn and be diligent about using a sunscreen with a high SPF, to prevent sun damage.Â
You’ll also need to avoid activities that make you sweat for 24–48 hours after treatment, since the sweat could irritate your sensitive skin.
You’ll see some results almost immediately. Within a week or two, you’ll start to notice that your skin looks softer, brighter, and more evenly toned. Improvements will continue for another several weeks.
“Clear + Brilliant is true to its name,” says Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. “After a series of treatments, your skin actually will be clear, radiant, and beautiful.”
If anti-aging is your main concern, many providers also recommend creating a treatment plan that incorporates other in-office procedures, coupled with a medical-grade skincare regimen. Treatments like Botox and dermal fillers can help maximize your efforts for younger-looking skin.Â
Related: Laser vs. IPL: How to Choose the Right Device for Treating Sun Damage
While some patients are happy with the subtle smoothing and brightening effects of a single treatment, “results from this procedure are best seen in a series of treatments,” says Dr. Brock Ridenour, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Saint Louis, Missouri.Â
The number of treatments most people need to see the full benefit is three to six, spaced a week to a month apart, depending on your skin and your doctor’s preference.Â
After this initial series, plan to go in for one to three treatments twice a year, to maintain or improve on your results.
These two skin rejuvenation treatments have several key similarities:
However, microneedling has a few advantages:Â
An experienced provider who offers both options can advise you on the best one for your skin concerns.
Clear + Brilliant can be a great option for someone with early signs of aging who wants to do something but not too much. However, there’s a variety of other options to consider to treat similar concerns.
Updated November 15, 2023
Clear + Brilliant® is a non-invasive procedure that uses fractional laser technology to help address early signs of aging and maintain a youthful look. Clear + Brilliant® provides noticeable results for all ages, skin types on the face, chest and hands with little to no downtime. Please see important safety information at clearandbrilliant.com.
Clear + Brilliant® is a non-invasive procedure that uses fractional laser technology to help address early signs of aging and maintain a youthful look. Clear + Brilliant® provides noticeable results for all ages, skin types on the face, chest and hands with little to no downtime. Please see important safety information at clearandbrilliant.com.