If your skin looks dull, uneven, or sun-worn but you are not looking for a major resurfacing recovery, a lighter fractional laser may be a better fit.
Clear + Brilliant and Permea are designed for gradual improvement in tone and texture with less downtime than deeper resurfacing.
We use them selectively and adjust treatment to your skin tone, goals, and tolerance for recovery.
Recovery & Results
Daily activities: Often the next day.
Visible recovery: Redness often eases in 12–24 hours; roughness can last several days or longer.
Results: Gradual tone and texture improvement; a series may be recommended.
What does Clear + Brilliant treat?
Treatment may improve selected concerns involving fine surface texture, the appearance of pores, mild uneven tone and early photoaging. It is not a treatment for every brown spot, a replacement for skin-cancer evaluation, or a solution for significant sagging or deep scars. Bring your main concern to the consultation so we can match the treatment to the problem.
Clear + Brilliant and Permea: choosing the approach
The Clear + Brilliant family includes different treatment options, including Permea. The handpiece and treatment plan are selected according to the concern, skin characteristics and available equipment. A brand name alone does not determine the settings, number of visits or outcome. Ask which approach is being recommended and what it is intended to improve.
Nonablative treatment creates microscopic treatment zones without the same surface removal involved in ablative CO2 resurfacing. A lighter treatment may suit someone prioritizing a shorter recovery, but it should not be expected to deliver the same result as a deeper procedure.
What happens before and during treatment?
We review your history of pigmentation, cold sores, unusual scarring, recent tanning, current skin irritation and previous procedures. Bring a list of prescriptions, supplements and skin-care products. Do not stop prescribed medication on your own. Your clinician will explain any preparation, the comfort measures appropriate for you, eye protection and the planned treatment area.
Recovery, results and important risks
Temporary warmth, redness, swelling, dryness or a rough-feeling surface can follow treatment. Recovery varies with the treatment and your skin; minimal downtime does not mean no downtime. Follow the individualized cleansing, moisturizing and sun-protection instructions, and ask when makeup and active skin-care ingredients may be resumed.
Risks include irritation, burns, infection, prolonged redness, pigment changes and scarring. Melanin-rich skin, a recent tan and a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation require particular care. Improvement is gradual, and a series or maintenance plan may be discussed without guaranteeing a particular result.
Planning your visit
Clear + Brilliant is best considered when the expected benefit justifies the downtime, cost, and pigment risk for your skin. Treatment settings and location are confirmed before the procedure.
Book Appointment or explore aesthetic and cosmetic procedures.
Your Questions, Answered
Why does my skin feel like sandpaper?
Temporary dryness and roughness can occur. Avoid scrubbing or picking.
Did it work if I barely peeled?
Visible peeling does not reliably measure results.
Recovery varies with your skin, treatment area and settings. Follow your individual aftercare instructions.
Who performs this treatment?
Your care is provided by Borealis Dermatology clinicians with experience in medical and aesthetic dermatology. Depending on the treatment and office, this may include Navin S. Arora, DO, FAAD, Lydia Lee, MSPA, PA-C, Luke Renda, MSPA, PA-C, Elaine Lai, MSPA, PA-C, and Pamela Lachs, MSPA, PA-C. Specific procedure availability varies by clinician and location; our team will match your request to the appropriate provider when scheduling.