The Clear & Brilliant laser has been around for a while now. But we still get reader questions on what it’s really like to undergo this “gentle” laser treatment (vs. doing Fraxel) and more aggressive lasers. Below please find a repurposed post from guest writer Gloria Cospito on her experience with Clear & Brilliant. March is the time I usually like to schedule these treatments. As we come out of winter and into summer. It’s the perfect time to shed a little skin.
-Robin
A refresher: What is Clear + Brilliant
Clear + Brilliant is a non-ablative fractional laser that's considered the most gentle option of all resurfacing lasers. Four to five sessions are recommended to see full results. I’ve been receiving my treatments at Russak Dermatology in New York City.
I’ve seen significant improvement in my skin. It is noticeably clearer and more even-toned. I can even go without foundation on most days (a big step for me). While blemishes do pop up, they don't last long and are less cystic, red, and noticeable. While I saw difference after just one treatment, I do think doing multiple treatments of Clear + Brilliant gave me better results. You can read on for more juicy details…
How it actually works
The treatment is performed using a laser device with a small roller attachment. The attachment is outfitted with tiny plastic bumps that push into the skin and create micro-injuries that prompt the skin to heal itself, boost collagen production, and generate clear, healthy skin.
Once the laser treatment is finished (it takes about 20 minutes), your skin's permeability is greatly enhanced, which is why you will often find doctors and aestheticians putting on skincare products during this time. For example, you might find your aesthetician reaching for a high potency product like SkinCeuticals.
How it’s done
Before the Clear + Brilliant is performed, a numbing cream is applied to the skin. The numbing cream eliminates any pain the laser treatment could produce. Thanks to this, I experienced zero discomfort and only the faintest feeling of static rolling across my skin.
I am on my third visit so I am prepared. I tell my aesthetician on this session, “Beat me up!” She responds with an affirmative and repeatedly went over the areas that desperately needed attention, namely my cheek, which was discolored by blemishes and riddled with clogged pores. Definitely communicate your pain level and areas where you think you need more attention to your practitioner.
My esthetician doesn’t miss a spot, focusing on common problem areas like the hairline, jaw line, and nose. Following a thorough canvassing with the Clear + Brilliant laser, she applied SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, followed by the restorative mask.
How will you look post treatment?
Your skin will look slightly wind-chapped afterwards, a good calming mask takes care of that, leaving you with a rosy glow. But don't schedule any events for the night of your treatment. You'll want to delay putting on makeup to allow your skin to soak up the antioxidant-rich solutions applied post-procedure.
The next day, your skin should look completely normal and you can return to your regular makeup routine. You may notice a sandpaper-like texture to your skin, which is a result of the tiny scabs covering the micro-injuries.
Be disciplined with your skincare in the following days, especially moisturizing, to continually nourish and hydrate the new skin that's forming. My aesthetician suggests using a granular exfoliant a few days post-procedure to slough off those micro-scabs and reveal the healthy skin underneath.
Also, you might get a breakout…
Avoid skincare products that contain acids or retinol for three days after treatment to avoid irritating your skin. You may experience an unexpected breakout, but that doesn't mean the Clear + Brilliant didn't work. Because the treatment tightens pores, it essentially squeezes out trapped sebum, causing it to surface in the form of a pimple.
If you can, schedule a facial a week or two after a Clear + Brilliant treatment to expertly clean out any congestion for overall healthier and more clear skin.