Clear + Brilliant is a nonablative fractional diode laser. It uses fractional photothermolysis, a technology that treats only a fraction of the skin’s surface at a time, leaving surrounding tissue intact so the skin heals faster than it would after a traditional full-surface laser treatment. The system comes with two handpieces that operate at different wavelengths: 1440 nm and 1927 nm.
How Fractional Diode Technology Works
Instead of treating every square millimeter of skin, the Clear + Brilliant laser creates thousands of tiny columns of thermal energy called microthermal treatment zones. Each column is microscopic, and the healthy skin between them acts as a scaffold for rapid healing. This is what makes it “fractional.” Because only a percentage of the skin is affected in any single session, total tissue damage stays low and recovery is short.
The laser is also “nonablative,” meaning it heats tissue beneath the surface without vaporizing or removing the outer layer of skin. The controlled thermal injury triggers the body’s natural repair process, pushing out damaged cells and stimulating new collagen production over the following weeks.
Two Wavelengths, Two Handpieces
The Original handpiece operates at 1440 nm. It penetrates deeper into the skin and targets fine lines, enlarged pores, and overall texture by boosting collagen production beneath the surface. Providers typically use this handpiece when the primary concern is early aging or skin roughness.
The Perméa handpiece uses a 1927 nm wavelength and works closer to the skin’s surface. Its strength is addressing pigmentation issues: sun spots, uneven tone, and localized discoloration. It also temporarily increases the skin’s permeability, which means topical skincare products applied afterward absorb more effectively. Some newer protocols combine both wavelengths in a single session to address tone and texture at once.
What It Treats
Clear + Brilliant sits in the “maintenance and prevention” category of laser treatments. It works best for mild to moderate concerns: dull skin, minor pigmentation, fine lines, rough texture, and enlarged pores. It is not designed for deep wrinkles, significant scarring, or advanced sun damage, which typically require more aggressive lasers or combination treatments.
Many people use it as a regular upkeep treatment rather than a one-time fix. Three to six sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart is the standard initial course, with occasional maintenance sessions after that to sustain results.
How It Compares to Fraxel
Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel are both fractional lasers made by the same parent company, and they share the same underlying concept of microthermal treatment zones. The key difference is intensity. Fraxel penetrates deeper into the dermis and delivers more energy per session, making it better suited for moderate to severe skin damage like acne scars, deep wrinkles, and significant sun damage. Because it’s more aggressive, Fraxel often requires fewer sessions to achieve visible results, but recovery takes longer and side effects like prolonged redness and swelling are more common.
Clear + Brilliant is the gentler option. It treats more superficial layers of skin, produces less discomfort during the session, and involves minimal downtime afterward. For someone whose skin concerns are relatively mild, or who wants to maintain results they’ve already achieved with a more intensive treatment, Clear + Brilliant is often the better fit.
Suitability for Different Skin Tones
Clear + Brilliant is generally considered safe across a wide range of skin types and tones. However, darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV through VI) carry a higher risk of post-treatment pigment changes with any laser procedure. Melanin in the epidermis absorbs laser energy, so darker skin is more vulnerable to thermal injury that can cause temporary darkening or lightening of the treated area.
To reduce this risk, providers may use lower treatment densities for darker skin. Pre-treatment and post-treatment use of topical lightening agents can also help prevent pigment irregularities. Epidermal cooling during the procedure is another common precaution. If you have a deeper skin tone, working with a provider experienced in treating diverse complexions makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.
What the Treatment Feels Like
Most people describe the sensation as warmth with each pulse of light. It’s not painless, but it’s well within the tolerable range for most patients, especially with preparation. For the Perméa handpiece, an over-the-counter 4% numbing cream applied 30 to 40 minutes before the appointment is usually sufficient. The Original handpiece goes deeper and typically requires prescription-strength numbing cream for comfort. Sessions for a full face generally take about 15 to 20 minutes once numbing is complete.
Recovery Timeline
Downtime is one of Clear + Brilliant’s main selling points. Most people experience one to two days of redness and one to four days of a “sandpaper” texture as the treated skin turns over. The rough feeling is normal and resolves on its own as dead cells slough off. A rosy glow can linger for several weeks, which many people actually welcome.
You can typically return to normal activities, including wearing makeup, within a day or two. Cool water compresses help with any lingering warmth or discomfort after the session. Sun protection is essential during healing, since freshly treated skin is more vulnerable to UV damage and pigmentation changes.