Most skincare routines hit a ceiling. You can have the right moisturizer, a solid SPF, and still notice that your skin looks a little flat, a little uneven, a little less like itself than it used to. Clear + Brilliant resurfacing laser works where topical products can't: below the surface, where tone, texture, and radiance actually start.
It's a gentle, FDA-cleared treatment that uses fractional laser energy to improve the skin from within, without the recovery time that comes with more intensive options. At Laser Center of Marin, we offer it as part of a personalized approach to long-term skin health.
Clear + Brilliant is a gentle resurfacing laser, sometimes called "baby Fraxel", that works by creating tiny controlled treatment zones across the skin's surface. The skin renews itself naturally in response, producing fresher, smoother results over time.
Clear + Brilliant resurfacing laser is safe for all skin types year-round and can be used on the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. It works well for:
Where it really stands out is for patients in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who aren't dealing with dramatic signs of aging yet, but can see them coming. In Marin County, that often means someone who's been active outdoors their whole life and is starting to notice that years of sun exposure have added up in ways a good skincare routine can't fully address. Clear + Brilliant laser is well-suited for getting ahead of that, before the damage settles in deep enough to require something more aggressive.
It's also a good fit for patients with sensitive skin who aren't ready for Fraxel, and for anyone looking for a low-downtime option to maintain results between more intensive treatments.
A session typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand for comfort. Your provider then passes the laser handpiece across the treatment area using Intelligent Optical Tracking technology, which ensures even energy delivery across the skin.
Most patients describe the sensation as mild warmth or light prickling. After treatment, some redness and mild swelling may occur, typically resolving within 12 to 24 hours. Skin may feel slightly rough or tight for a few days. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after their appointment.
Improvement in skin texture and radiance is often noticeable within five to seven days of the first treatment. A series of three to six sessions spaced three to four weeks apart is typically recommended for optimal results. Collagen stimulation from each treatment continues for approximately three months.
Results vary based on age, sun exposure, lifestyle, and individual skin characteristics. Maintenance treatments and consistent daily sunscreen use help sustain results over time.
Clear + Brilliant is significantly gentler. Both use fractional laser technology, but Fraxel targets deeper layers and is better suited for more advanced resurfacing. Clear + Brilliant treats a smaller percentage of skin cells per session. It also has less downtime and more gradual improvement. It's a better fit for younger patients or anyone using it as a maintenance treatment rather than a corrective one.
Most patients tolerate it well. With numbing cream applied beforehand, the sensation is usually mild warmth or light prickling, and it stops as soon as the session ends.
A series of three to six treatments spaced three to four weeks apart is generally recommended. Your provider at Laser Center of Marin will outline a plan based on what your skin needs and your goals.
No significant downtime. Some redness and mild swelling for up to 24 hours is normal, and skin may feel slightly rough for a few days. Most patients go straight back to their day after the appointment.
Yes. It is compatible with injectables, chemical peels, and light therapies, though combination treatments are generally not performed on the same day. Your provider will tell you what makes sense for your skin and your schedule.
Yes. Clear + Brilliant is safe for all skin tones, including darker complexions, and can be used year-round.
At Laser Center of Marin, our treatments are performed under physician supervision with providers who have decades of experience serving Marin County.
If you're curious about whether Clear + Brilliant is the right fit for your skin, book a free consultation or call us at (415) 945-9314 to get started.
