Clear + Brilliant (1440 nm)

In a sentence: Clear + Brilliant is a gentle fractional laser that refreshes tone and texture to keep skin looking smoother, brighter and more even with minimal downtime—ideal for maintenance and prevention.1

Who it’s best for

  • 20s–30s: glow maintenance, early dullness/pores, first sun spots.
  • 40s–50s: light polish between stronger treatments; blends well with IPL/BBL for colour.
  • 60s: gentle texture refresh when downtime tolerance is low.
  • Skin tones: widely used across tones with conservative settings; discuss PIH prevention if you pigment easily.2

What it can do

  • Refine texture, reduce the look of pores and give a clearer, more even tone.1
  • Help soften the appearance of early sun damage and mild pigment irregularity.
  • Face, neck and chest are commonly treated.

What it can’t do

It won’t lift a soft jawline or erase deep etched lines. For bigger changes, consider staged plans with IPL/BBL (colour), RF microneedling (tightening) or deeper fractional lasers.

Treatment & sessions

  • During: after numbing (optional), the handpiece makes a quick grid of micro-channels; full face ~15–25 minutes.3
  • How many: typically a series of 3–4, spaced ~4 weeks; maintenance every 3–6 months for best glow.2
  • When you see it: skin feels “sandpapery” for 1–3 days, then looks smoother and brighter over 1–2 weeks.

Healing time & aftercare

  • Downtime: usually 0–3 days of pinkness/flake (“bronzing”).1
  • Comfort: warm, prickly sensation; topical anaesthetic helps.
  • Aftercare basics: gentle cleanser/moisturiser, strict SPF; pause strong acids/retinoids for 3–5 days.4

Safety in deeper complexions (skin of colour)

Conservative settings, good cooling and sun-safe routines reduce PIH risk. Many clinics start with lighter passes and test spots for Fitzpatrick IV–VI.2

Possible side effects & complications

  • Common: redness, mild swelling, temporary bronzing/flake.3
  • Less common: acne bumping, PIH (especially with sun exposure), cold-sore reactivation on lips.
  • Rare: burns/scars with incorrect settings or sun exposure.

Who should avoid or delay (contra-/precautions)

  • Active infection, open wounds, or active cold sore.
  • Recent tan/self-tanner; photosensitising medications—plan timing with your clinician.4
  • Pregnancy/breast-feeding are often deferred for electives.

How it compares

  • Versus Clear + Brilliant Touch: Touch adds the 1927 nm wavelength for more pigment work; classic C+B uses a single wave.5
  • Versus IPL/BBL: IPL targets reds/browns; C+B focuses on texture + glow with fine pigment improvements.
  • Versus 1927/1940 nm lasers (Fraxel/MOXI/LaseMD): those are stronger for pigment/texture but have more visible flake (2–5 days).

At-a-glance

  • Best for: glow, fine texture, early pigment.
  • Sessions: 3–4 initial; then every 3–6 months.
  • Downtime: low—pink/bronze 0–3 days.
  • Operator matters: settings and aftercare drive results.

References (open in new tab)

  1. Clear + Brilliant — official site
  2. DermNet — Fractional photothermolysis
  3. ASDS — Lasers & lights overview
  4. AAD — Patient guidance on lasers/light
  5. Press release — Clear + Brilliant Touch

Region notes: Widely offered in US/Canada/UK/EU/Australia; exact indications vary by market.

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