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When you think of a facial laser resurfacing treatment, you probably think of enduring a painful procedure and a lot of downtime. Most lasers are super uncomfortable to sit through and require at last a week or two for recovery. That means dealing with puffy, red, swollen skin that can’t be exposed to direct sunlight or makeup, and even having to miss time at work.
While that all may sound like more trouble than it’s worth, there are other laser options that provide you with the same benefits, without all the extra trouble. The Clear + Brilliant laser is an award-winning treatment that is changing the way the world looks at laser skin resurfacing.
The Clear + Brilliant laser uses a gentle fractional laser that quickly and effectively rejuvenates skin for an overall improved appearance. The minimally invasive laser is possibly best known for its fast procedural and recovery time.
Intrigued by the idea of being able to reap the benefits of a laser resurfacing treatment without having to suffer the usual inconveniences, I decided to give Clear + Brilliant a try for myself.
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Clear + Brilliant Laser Treatment
I visited Dr. Jeremy Brauer at P Frank MD for my in-office Clear + Brilliant laser procedure and to learn more about the treatment. He recommends Clear + Brilliant for people who are new to laser resurfacing.
“I like Clear + Brilliant for someone who can’t tolerate prolonged downtime and is willing to undergo a series of treatments,” said Dr. Brauer. “It’s super quick and easy, compared to other laser treatments.”
While I must say I am lucky enough to naturally have nice skin, I do suffer from light acne scars and hyperpigmentation that won’t see to budge. I’ve tried every Vitamin-C product and peel I could get my hands on, with no luck in facing the spots on my chin, forehead, and around my mouth.
Who’s A Good Candidate For The Clear + Brilliant Laser Treatment?
Clear + Brilliant’s patented and clinically proven technology is ideal for people looking to resurface their skin, target early signs of aging, improve texture, and maintain a youthful appearance. It helps minimize fine lines, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, and discoloration from acne scars and sunspots. Clear + Brilliant stimulates the production of collagen in your skin and allows for new skin cells to form, leaving behind a healthier looking complexion.
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The Clear + Brilliant Laser Resurfacing Procedure
Being new to laser treatments, I asked Dr. Brauer if the Clear + Brilliant treatment hurts. He explained (quite accurately, I must say) it starts off feeling warm on your skin. “It gets a little more uncomfortable as the procedure goes on, but nothing unbearable.”
Since Clear + Brilliant is non-invasive you don’t need any local anesthesia to numb the area during the procedure, either.
My next question: how long will this take? “5 to 10 minute or so,” said Dr. Brauer. “We can time it.”
Needless to say, I was shocked and very happy to hear that the treatment would be so quick. Without any further delay, we began.
With my protective eyewear securely in place, Dr. Brauer began running the laser down my skin. He was right–it felt like heat but didn’t hurt at all. Exactly 7 minutes later, we were done. During the Clear + Brilliant treatment, the laser is run back and forth along your skin. The longer the treatment goes on the more uncomfortable it gets but it is by no means painful. Certain areas are more sensitive than others, like your upper lip and around your mouth.
Post Clear + Brilliant Treatment
Since the Clear + Brilliant requires minimal downtime I went right into work after the procedure. For the next few hours, my skin was red–almost as if I got a sunburn–and warm to the touch. By that night the redness and puffiness had subsided and I was left with skin that felt a little sandpapery–totally normal in the initial post-treatment phase.
As the roughness went away in only a matter of days, I was left with skin that was literally glowing. My hyperpigmentation had faded to almost nothing and my skin tone improved immensely–meaning I can use less makeup and finally forgo the dark spot concealer when I get ready in the morning.
Before & After Results
Before Clear + Brilliant Laser
After Clear + Brilliant
Like all laser treatments, Clear + Brilliant makes your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight while it heals so it’s important to apply an SPF sunscreen and keep your skin hydrated after by moisturizing frequently. You should also avoid irritating ingredients like retinol and exfoliants until after your skin heels.
Recommended Clear + Brilliant Post Treatment Products
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream ($52)
Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater ($7)