Clear + Brilliant vs. Fraxel: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

By the skin care team at Skin Therapeutics Med Spa | Ellicott City, MD

If you have been researching laser skin resurfacing, you have likely come across two names that appear frequently in the same conversation: Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel. Both are fractional laser treatments. Both improve skin tone, texture, and signs of aging. And at first glance, they can seem almost interchangeable.

They are not. Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel occupy very different positions on the laser resurfacing spectrum, serve different patient profiles, and produce results of different scope and intensity. Understanding the distinction is the most important step in choosing the right treatment for your skin.

At Skin Therapeutics Med Spa in Ellicott City, Maryland, we offer Clear + Brilliant as part of our comprehensive laser treatment menu. Here is the honest, complete comparison.

What Is Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

Before comparing the two devices, it helps to understand what fractional laser treatment means. Traditional ablative lasers treat the entire surface of the skin uniformly, removing the outer layer and requiring a significant healing period. Fractional lasers take a different approach: they deliver laser energy in a grid of thousands of microscopic columns, treating only a fraction of the skin's surface in each session.

The untreated tissue surrounding each micro-column remains intact and acts as a reservoir of healing cells that accelerate recovery. This allows fractional lasers to achieve meaningful resurfacing results while reducing downtime significantly compared to traditional ablative treatments. Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel are both fractional, but they operate at very different energy levels and depths.

How Clear + Brilliant Works

Clear + Brilliant (by Solta Medical) is a low-energy fractional laser that operates at 1440nm or 1927nm wavelength depending on the handpiece used. It delivers energy to the very superficial layers of the skin, creating millions of microscopic treatment zones that trigger collagen production and accelerate cellular turnover without penetrating the deeper dermal layers where more significant tissue remodeling occurs.

The treatment is often described as a 'gateway laser' because it produces genuine resurfacing results with a patient experience and recovery profile that is accessible to a broad range of patients, including those new to laser treatments who want meaningful improvement without committing to significant downtime.

Key characteristics of Clear + Brilliant:

• Very gentle energy settings, well-tolerated by most patients
• Targets the most superficial skin layers for tone, texture, and luminosity improvement
• No downtime for most patients, with mild redness resolving within hours
• Sessions take 20 to 30 minutes
• Typically performed in a series of 4 to 6 sessions for optimal results
• Suitable for all skin tones with appropriate settings
• Often used as a preventive or maintenance treatment in younger patients

How Fraxel Works

Fraxel (by Solta Medical, the same manufacturer as Clear + Brilliant) is a medium to high-energy fractional laser available in two primary wavelengths: 1550nm (Fraxel Restore) for deeper collagen remodeling and 1927nm (Fraxel Dual) for more superficial pigmentation and tone. The Fraxel Restore penetrates significantly deeper than Clear + Brilliant, reaching the mid to deep dermis where structural collagen changes occur.

Fraxel's deeper penetration allows it to address concerns that Clear + Brilliant cannot effectively treat: deeper wrinkles, more pronounced textural irregularities, moderate to significant sun damage, and acne scarring with textural components. However, this greater efficacy comes with a correspondingly more significant patient experience and recovery period.

Key characteristics of Fraxel:

• Medium to high energy settings that penetrate the mid to deep dermis
• Addresses deeper structural concerns: wrinkles, acne scars, significant sun damage
• Downtime of 3 to 7 days with redness, swelling, and bronzing/peeling
• Sessions take 30 to 45 minutes depending on treatment area
• Typically 1 to 3 sessions needed, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart
• More intensive numbing typically required before treatment
• Suitable for a range of skin tones with careful provider calibration

Clear + Brilliant vs. Fraxel: Side-by-Side Comparison

	Clear + Brilliant	Fraxel Restore (1550nm)	Fraxel Dual (1927nm)
Energy Level	Low (gentle)	Medium to high	Medium
Penetration Depth	Superficial dermis	Mid to deep dermis	Superficial to mid dermis
Best For	Tone, texture, early aging, maintenance	Wrinkles, acne scars, deep damage	Pigmentation, tone, moderate damage
Downtime	None to minimal	4-7 days	3-5 days
Sessions Needed	4-6 sessions	1-3 sessions	2-4 sessions
Discomfort	Mild, well-tolerated	Moderate (numbing required)	Mild to moderate
Skin Tones	All tones with settings	Careful assessment required	All tones with settings
Results Timeline	Progressive over weeks-months	Visible within 3-6 months	Visible within 4-8 weeks
Ideal Patient Age	20s to 40s for prevention	40s+ for correction	30s to 50s

Who Is the Right Candidate for Each?

Choose Clear + Brilliant If You:

• Are in your 20s or 30s and want to prevent signs of aging before they become established
• Have mild skin texture irregularities, early fine lines, or dullness
• Want improved skin luminosity and a more even tone without downtime
• Are looking for a maintenance treatment to sustain results between more intensive procedures
• Cannot accommodate downtime due to work or social commitments
• Are new to laser treatments and want to start with a gentle, accessible option
• Have a darker skin tone and want a laser treatment with a well-established safety profile

Choose Fraxel If You:

• Have moderate to significant wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth, or forehead
• Have acne scars with textural changes (pitting or indentation) that require deeper remodeling
• Have significant sun damage or photoaging that has not responded adequately to gentler treatments
• Want more dramatic results and are willing to accept 4 to 7 days of recovery
• Are looking for meaningful correction rather than prevention or maintenance
• Have tried Clear + Brilliant or similar gentle resurfacing and want to progress to a more intensive treatment

Neither Clear + Brilliant nor Fraxel is universally better. Clear + Brilliant is the better choice for many patients, particularly those focused on prevention and maintenance. Fraxel is the better choice when the concern requires deeper correction. Many patients use both at different stages of their skin care journey.

Results: What to Realistically Expect

Clear + Brilliant Results

Clear + Brilliant produces a progressive and cumulative improvement in skin quality rather than a dramatic visible result after a single session. After a series of 4 to 6 treatments:

• Skin tone becomes more even with reduced pore visibility
• Fine surface lines appear softer and skin texture feels smoother
• Skin appears more luminous and refreshed
• Some patients notice early wrinkles appear less prominent

Results are genuine but subtle. Patients who have a single session expecting visible transformation are often disappointed. Those who complete a full series and maintain results with consistent sun protection are typically very satisfied.

Fraxel Results

Fraxel produces more visible and more comprehensive changes in fewer sessions:

• Significant improvement in skin texture, including reduction in acne scarring depth
• Visible improvement in moderate wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and mouth
• Substantial clearing of sun damage and uneven pigmentation
• Tighter, firmer skin due to deeper collagen remodeling

Results continue to develop over 3 to 6 months as new collagen matures. Most patients see meaningful change after a single Fraxel session, with optimal results achieved after 1 to 3 treatments.

Recovery and Downtime

Clear + Brilliant Recovery

Most patients experience only mild redness for a few hours after treatment, similar to a light sunburn. A sandpaper-like texture in the treated areas may be felt for 2 to 3 days as the microscopic treatment zones exfoliate. Most patients return to normal activities immediately, including work and social events. Full results develop gradually over the following weeks and sessions.

Fraxel Recovery

Fraxel recovery is more significant and should be planned around accordingly:

• Days 1 to 2: redness, warmth, and swelling, similar to a moderate sunburn. The skin may feel tight
• Days 2 to 4: bronzing or a sandpaper texture as the treated micro-zones begin to exfoliate. Skin appears darker before it sheds
• Days 4 to 7: exfoliation completes and new skin is revealed. Redness may persist for a week or more depending on treatment intensity
• Weeks 2 to 4: skin continues to heal and collagen remodeling progresses beneath the surface

Numbing cream is applied before Fraxel treatment to improve comfort during the session. Most patients tolerate the procedure well with numbing, describing a warm, prickling sensation.

Laser Resurfacing at Skin Therapeutics in Ellicott City, MD

At Skin Therapeutics Med Spa, we offer Clear + Brilliant as part of our comprehensive laser treatment menu. Our team evaluates each patient's skin type, tone, existing concerns, and goals before recommending a treatment protocol. For patients whose concerns require more intensive resurfacing than Clear + Brilliant provides, we can discuss referral or alternative treatment options that may include our other laser platforms.

Our laser and light-based treatment options relevant to skin resurfacing include:

• Clear + Brilliant: gentle fractional resurfacing for prevention, maintenance, and early correction
• LaseMD Ultra: non-ablative thulium laser for pigmentation, tone, and mild resurfacing
• Alma Erbium Pixel Laser: fractional Erbium resurfacing for more intensive correction
• Lutronic Spectra: Q-switched laser for pigmentation and overall skin rejuvenation
• IPL Photofacial: broad-spectrum light for redness, sun spots, and vascular concerns 

We serve patients throughout the greater Baltimore area, including Ellicott City, Columbia, Baltimore, and surrounding Maryland communities, as well as our Easton, MD location.

Book a Clear and Brilliant laser treatment in Ellicott City, MD.

Not Sure Whether Clear + Brilliant or Fraxel Is Right for You?

Schedule a laser consultation at Skin Therapeutics in Ellicott City, MD. Our team will assess your skin, explain your options, and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your concerns and goals.

4801 Dorsey Hall Dr #204, Ellicott City, MD 21042

(410) 715-1707

Book Your Consultation at Skin Therapeutics.

Frequently Asked Questions: Clear + Brilliant vs. Fraxel

Is Clear + Brilliant the same as Fraxel?

No. Both are fractional laser treatments made by Solta Medical, but they operate at very different energy levels and depths. Clear + Brilliant is a low-energy surface treatment ideal for prevention and maintenance. Fraxel delivers medium to high energy to the mid and deep dermis, producing more intensive results for wrinkles, acne scars, and significant sun damage. Think of them as different tools in the same category, not different names for the same thing.

How many Clear + Brilliant treatments do I need to see results?

Most patients complete a series of 4 to 6 sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, for optimal results. Results are cumulative, and the improvement is progressive rather than dramatic after a single session. Many patients then maintain results with one or two treatments per year ongoing.

Is Fraxel painful?

Fraxel is generally well tolerated with appropriate numbing cream applied 30 to 60 minutes before the session. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm, prickling feeling during treatment. Post-procedure, the skin feels similar to a significant sunburn for the first 24 to 48 hours. Over-the-counter pain relief and cool compresses are typically all that is needed for comfort during recovery.

Can Clear + Brilliant treat acne scars?

Clear + Brilliant can improve mild textural irregularities and post-inflammatory redness from acne, but it is not the appropriate treatment for acne scars with significant pitting or indentation. These deeper textural changes require a more intensive treatment such as Fraxel, Alma Erbium Pixel laser, or RF microneedling, which can reach the deeper tissue layers where the structural changes in scarring occur.

What is the difference between Clear + Brilliant Perméa and Clear + Brilliant?

Clear + Brilliant has two handpiece options: the standard 1440nm handpiece and the Perméa 1927nm handpiece. The Perméa handpiece operates at a slightly longer wavelength that creates micropores in the skin allowing for enhanced absorption of topical skincare products immediately after treatment. Both produce resurfacing benefits, with the standard handpiece focusing more on collagen stimulation and the Perméa providing additional pigmentation and absorption benefits. Your provider will recommend the appropriate handpiece based on your skin concerns.

Does Skin Therapeutics offer Clear + Brilliant in Ellicott City?

Yes. Clear + Brilliant is available at Skin Therapeutics Med Spa in Ellicott City, MD. Contact us to schedule a consultation and determine whether Clear + Brilliant or one of our other laser options is the right fit for your skin goals. 

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any cosmetic treatment. Individual results may vary.