The time of year between Thanksgiving and Christmas is such a bustle—the Christmas lights, festive gatherings, gift giving, the promise of the New Year. It’s around this time of year that my patients are wont to look their very best, especially with all of those holiday photos!
Tis the season for all things merry and bright, so we’re chatting one of my favorite treatments to brighten and refresh complexions— Clear + Brilliant Permea Laser. We’ll discuss the science behind it’s glow-giving magic, why I love it so much, and whether or not it could work for your skin. Read on for more!
What Is Clear + Brilliant?
Clear + Brilliant Permea Laser is our most gentle laser treatment that works by creating microscopic controlled injuries to the skin, stimulating the skin’s natural healing and repair process. Clear + Brilliant treatment:
Promotes the replacement of dull, tired skin cells with new ones to reveal brighter smoother skin
Reduces hyperpigmentation from freckles, sun damage, and even melasma leading to a more vibrant complexion
Evens the surface of the skin by boosting collagen and elastin production thus minimizing fine lines and pore appearance
Creates a beautiful smooth canvas for easy moisturizer and makeup application—and flawless photos!
Who Benefits from Clear + Brilliant?
One of my favorite things about Clear + Brilliant is that people of all ages can see their skin transform with treatment—high school students struggling with acne scarring; college kids with lackluster complexions or large pore; and moms, dads, even grandmothers who want to look a little less tired, refreshed and more awake (can I get a “yes!” fellow moms out there!).
For my patients who want to reduce or eliminate their dependency on foundation to even their skin tone and conceal their flaws, Clear + Brilliant delivers exceptional results.
While it’s true that Clear + Brilliant can be used on just about anyone, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’ll have to wait to start your treatments as Clear + Brilliant is still a laser treatment. During our consultation, I can work with you for safer alternatives in the meantime.
What’s a Clear + Brilliant Treatment Like?
Treatment begins with a facial cleansing to allow the laser to penetrate most effectively. We’ll apply a numbing gel to your cleansed skin to make the procedure more comfortable. After the numbing gel has taken effect, we’ll begin the procedure. We’ll give you goggles to protect your eyes as we pass over the face with the laser device in a defined pattern so treatment is uniform and consistent.
You may feel a slight stinging sensation, but between the numbing gel and the cooling fan, most patients tolerate the procedure quite well, especially since it’s only about 20 minutes. When all is done, we’ll remove the numbing gel, apply a soothing moisturizer and sunscreen, and send you on your way with at-home care tips to maximize the effects of your treatment.
Is There Any Downtime After a Clear + Brilliant Treatment?
Unlike other more invasive lasers like Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant has no real downtime. Your face may feel slightly tingly and look like you got a little mild wind burn for about 12 hours after treatment, but none would be the wiser. Many patients go right back to work after their appointment.
We do ask that you refrain from any vigorous exercise, steam rooms, saunas and hot yoga for the rest of the day post-treatment, but all other daily activities are a go!
How Long Does It Take to See a Brighter Complexion?
Immediately after treatment, your skin will look flushed, and around days 2 and 3, you can expect a little flaking as the older skin sloughs off and virgin skin is revealed. By day 5, you’ll start to relish in your new complexion, and it will continue to improve over the next few weeks.
As the effects of Clear + Brilliant treatments are compounded, the most successful transformations occur in usually about 3-5 treatments, spaced about 6 weeks apart, but I work with you to determine the course of treatment optimal for you.
How Do I Maximize my Results with Clear + Brilliant?
The winter months are actually the best months for the greatest results because there’s less risk for UV exposure and thus an undoing of all the brightening as the days are shorter and the UV rays aren’t as intense. But as always, I recommend daily use of sunscreen with SPF 30+.
I also recommend that patients use Skinceuticals CF Phloretin Serum, an antioxidant-powered serum, daily after their Clear + Brilliant treatments as studies have shown that using the two together amplifies their skin brightening qualities. Win-win!
If you’re looking for a brighter, more even complexion with no downtime, call Greenwich Point Dermatology to schedule an appointment or make an appointment online here.
Stay merry and bright,
Dr. Dolder
