What to Expect After Clear and Brilliant Laser Treatment

If you’re considering Clear and Brilliant laser treatment, you’re likely on the path to achieving radiant skin. This gentle yet effective skincare treatment has become a popular choice for those looking to combat the early signs of aging and improve their skin texture.

Clear and Brilliant is often chosen by those looking for a less invasive option than traditional laser resurfacing or a step up from regular facials and chemical peels, offering a balance between efficacy and minimal recovery time. It’s widely recognized as a practical option for skin maintenance and a proactive approach to skin care.Here’s what you can expect after a session of this advanced laser therapy.

If you're considering Clear and Brilliant laser treatment, here's what to expect after and how to care for your skin.

I was super intrigued since I do have issues with texture, large pores and fine lines, so I welcomed the chance to try out Clear and Brilliant at Amy Petersen’s skincare center. I refrained from sun exposure for a week before the treatment and was careful not to use any skincare products with retinol either.

In this post I will be sharing everything I learned in the process.

What is the Clear and Brilliant Laser Treatment?

Clear and Brilliant laser treatment is a gentle, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that utilizes fractional laser technology to address the early signs of skin aging and to maintain radiant, youthful skin. It uses Fractional Laser Technology, which creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones in the upper layers of the skin. This replaces damaged skin with healthy, younger-looking tissue.

The laser energy creates tiny injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing process, stimulating the production of new collagen and the formation of new, healthy skin cells. Unlike more aggressive laser resurfacing treatments, Clear and Brilliant is designed to be gentle. It does not remove layers of skin but instead helps rejuvenate the skin from within.

Who is a good candidate?

Good candidates for Clear and Brilliant treatments include individuals with concerns like uneven skin tone, dark spots, and sun damage. Women of all skin types have found this non-invasive procedure beneficial, especially when looking for a non-aggressive laser option.

My experience with Clear and Brilliant

I decided to try this laser skin treatment at Skincare by Amy Peterson in Miami Beach and it was a phenomenal experience. From the moment I walked into their offices I felt so pampered! The first step was applying numbing cream to my face and waiting for it to work.

Then my esthetician Tatiana proceeded to take note of all of my concerns, explained the process, covered my eyes and gently started using the laser. This facial treatment did not hurt at all and it was pretty quick.

After my session, I was gifted an Avene post-procedure skincare set with strict instructions to only use the Avene products included in that package for the next week. My skin was red and felt hot , as if I had a mild sunburn. The Amy Peterson team gave me her wonderful ice roller to use as needed. It provided welcome relief from the heat I felt in my face, similar to a bad sunburn, but not painful at all. I returned to work with no downtime at all but did have to explain why I was so red and using the ice roller.

The redness started to fade in a few hours and I followed all the aftercare instructions for a week with no issues whatsoever.

The first few days: the healing process

Your skin will embark on a healing process, where mild swelling and slight redness are common. It’s essential to treat your skin gently during this time. Using a gentle cleanser and avoiding direct sun exposure is crucial.

Here is how red I was right after the treatment. It was uncomfortable but tolerable.

The next day, the redness was totally gone. Since I was flying and not working, I did not use any makeup and used the skincare kit. No discomfort at all. I used the water mist any time I felt my skin was dry but that was it. The Avene Cicalfate+ Cream was so wonderful I probably will incorporate into my daily skincare routine. I also used the sheet mask provided and it was so refreshing!

On day 3, my skin did feel rough but there was no peeling or flaking. I would say my skin felt as if it had tiny coffee grounds. I was extremely careful not to rub my face so again I skipped makeup but did use the skincare kit, from cleanser to SPF.

Then on day 4 I really noticed a difference with my mild rosacea. Here is a makeup-free photo so you can see what I looked like.

On day 5, my skin felt smoother and I wore some light makeup. Again, no noticeable peeling, and I avoided rubbing my face. On day 7 I felt back to normal but I still applied a thick layer of sunscreen to protect my facial skin.

It’s been a month since my Clear and Brilliant laser treatment and I am super happy with the results. Since I have only done one treatment, my expectations were low, but I must say that my complexion seems smoother, plus my rosacea is less noticeable. Many friends have complimented on my “glow” and I have gone back to my regular skincare routine with no issues. Of course I continue to wear SPF every single day.

Why is avoiding sun exposure so important?

Avoiding sun exposure after Clear and Brilliant laser treatment is crucial for several reasons:

Enhanced Sensitivity: The treatment makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight as it involves creating microscopic injuries in the skin to promote collagen production and healing. The new skin cells are particularly vulnerable to sun damage.
Risk of Hyperpigmentation: After the treatment, the skin is at a higher risk of developing dark spots or hyperpigmentation if exposed to the sun. UV exposure can trigger melanin production, which may lead to uneven skin tone, especially in the areas that have been treated.
Compromised Healing: Sun exposure can compromise the healing process. The skin needs to repair the microscopic injuries caused by the fractional laser technology, and the sun can impede this natural healing process.
Increased Inflammation: UV rays can exacerbate inflammation and redness, prolonging recovery time and possibly leading to discomfort.
Risk of Sunburn: Because the laser treatment removes some of the protective upper layers of the skin, the risk of sunburn is increased, which can cause further damage and discomfort.
Suboptimal Results: Prolonged or unprotected sun exposure can negatively affect the long-term results of the treatment. It may diminish the improvements in the skin’s appearance achieved by the laser treatment.

If you're considering Clear and Brilliant laser treatment, here's what to expect after and how to care for your skin. Sun protection is a must.

For these reasons, dermatologists advise using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure, especially in the days immediately following a Clear and Brilliant laser treatment, to ensure optimal healing and results.

Long-term care: maximizing results

For best results, it’s recommended to undergo a series of treatments. The number of treatments will depend on your specific skin condition and goals. Your esthetician or dermatologist might also recommend a combination of treatments depending on your skincare concerns. Consistent routine treatments can lead to visible improvements in skin texture, pore size, and the appearance of fine lines, creating a radiant glow.

The outcome: radiant, youthful skin

Fractional laser treatments like Clear and Brilliant promote skin resurfacing that leads to younger-looking skin. Over time, as the skin heals, you’ll notice an improvement in the skin’s tone and texture. While it’s not as aggressive as some more expensive treatments, recent studies suggest that patients experience excellent results, similar to those achieved by more invasive cosmetic procedures.

Protecting your investment

To protect and maintain your results, avoid excessive sun exposure, follow a good skincare routine, and consult with a skin care professional. Your dermatologist, preferably board-certified, can guide you on the optimal number of sessions and tailor a skincare regimen to enhance the skin resurfacing benefits.

My thoughts on Clear and Brilliant

Clear and Brilliant is a great way to address skin concerns without significant downtime. Whether you’re looking to refresh your entire face or target a specific area, this treatment offers a way to improve your skin’s health while fitting into your busy schedule. With its ability to address the signs of skin damage and aging, it’s a perfect treatment choice for those seeking a youthful appearance and glowing skin.

For me it was totally tolerable and I am very happy with the results. Having no downtime and no extreme peeling was a huge plus, because I have an extremely busy schedule. You really see a difference at two weeks post treatment, so factor that in before an important event. Do NOT schedule a Clear and Brilliant treatment a week before your wedding. DO schedule it 3-4 weeks before.

However, if you have severe scarring or pigmentation issues, I don’t think this is the treatment for you and I recommend discussing your concerns with a board-certified dermatologist.

Remember, the best way to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for this gentle yet effective treatment is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist.

What to Expect After Clear and Brilliant Laser Treatment