Clear + Brilliant vs Fraxel

As we age, it’s common to notice fine lines, uneven texture, sun damage, and dullness on our skin. Those who want to recapture the smooth skin of their youth are turning to laser skin resurfacing to refresh and repair their complexion.

Two of the most popular options are Clear + Brilliant^® and Fraxel^®, both of which harness laser technology to stimulate collagen and renew the skin from within. While they share many similarities, they differ in intensity, downtime, and results.

Choosing the right treatment depends on your skin goals, lifestyle, and how much downtime you can manage. In this Clear + Brilliant vs. Fraxel guide, we compare the two so that you can choose an option that balances your personal tolerances with your skincare goals.

Clear + Brilliant vs Fraxel: Key Differences

Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel are fractional lasers, which means they treat only a fraction of the skin at a time by creating microscopic treatment zones that trigger the body’s natural healing response. The main difference between the two lies in their strength and depth of penetration:

The Clear + Brilliant laser is often referred to as the “starter laser.” It is designed as a gentle, preventive, and maintenance-focused treatment.

The Fraxel laser goes  deeper and is a more intense laser, making it ideal for correcting wrinkles, scars, and advanced sun damage

What is Clear + Brilliant?

Clear + Brilliant laser treatment works gently on the upper layers of skin. Sometimes called the “mini Fraxel” or “starter laser,” this non-ablative laser is designed for early signs of aging and skin maintenance.

This treatment is a popular choice among younger clients or those looking to maintain results from more aggressive procedures. Because it’s less intense, Clear + Brilliant fits easily into busy schedules with little to no downtime.

Benefits of Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant offers multiple skin-refreshing benefits, including:

• Improved tone and texture for a smoother, more radiant look.
• Pore refinement, giving the skin a polished finish.
• Radiant glow, often noticeable after just a single session.
• Minimal downtime, making it ideal for busy lifestyles.
• Long-term maintenance, especially when combined with other treatments.

Ideal Candidate for Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant laser treatment is best suited for:

• Younger clients focused on preventive anti-aging.
• Mild sun damage or pigmentation, such as early brown spots.
• Anyone seeking a quick refresh without significant downtime.
• Clients maintain results between more intensive treatments.

If your goal is to stay ahead of aging while enjoying glowing, healthy-looking skin, Clear + Brilliant may be the right choice for you.

What is Fraxel?

Fraxel laser treatment is a stronger, fractional, non-ablative laser that penetrates deeper layers of the skin. It’s designed for correction rather than prevention, making it the go-to option for clients with visible signs of aging or skin damage.

Fraxel creates thousands of microscopic injuries in the skin to stimulate healing and collagen production. This process encourages the body to repair itself, resulting in naturally smoother and healthier skin.

Because Fraxel works at a deeper level, it typically requires a longer recovery period but produces more dramatic improvements.

Benefits of Fraxel

Fraxel is considered one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for skin resurfacing. Some of its key benefits include:

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging fresh collagen growth.
• Improves skin tone and texture, addressing roughness and uneven areas.
• Treats acne scars and other types of scarring.
• Corrects deeper sun damage and pigmentation issues.
• Stimulates long-term collagen production, extending results over time.

Fraxel is often described as a “reset button” for skin that has accumulated years of sun exposure, scarring, or age-related changes.

Ideal Candidate for Fraxel

Fraxel laser treatment may be the better choice if you have:

• Moderate to severe sun damage, including dark spots and discoloration.
• Wrinkles and fine lines, especially around the eyes or mouth.
• Acne scars or surgical scars you’d like to minimize.
• Uneven pigmentation that hasn’t responded to milder treatments.
• Availability for downtime, including redness, peeling, and sensitivity that may last several days.

While the results are typically dramatic, Fraxel requires a longer commitment to aftercare and recovery compared to Clear + Brilliant.

Treatment Time for Clear + Brilliant vs Fraxel

Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel both offer short treatment sessions, but their recovery periods differ.

• Clear + Brilliant: Quick treatment time, usually about 30 minutes. Clients may experience slight redness or sensitivity, which typically fades within a day. Most people return to normal activities immediately.
  
• Fraxel: Takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated. Expect some redness, swelling, and peeling that can last several days. Avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours following treatment.

Clear + Brilliant vs Fraxel Results

While both treatments boost collagen and renew skin, the outcomes differ in intensity:

Clear + Brilliant: Subtle but noticeable improvements in skin tone, texture, and radiance. Results are best maintained with ongoing treatments every few months.

Fraxel: More dramatic improvements, often most noticeable after four sessions. Wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation see greater correction. Sun protection and post-treatment skincare are crucial for maintaining results.

Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel Aftercare

• Hydrate with gentle moisturizers.
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
• Avoid harsh products (like retinoids) until skin fully recovers.
• Be patient — while skin tone and texture will improve rapidly, collagen stimulation continues for months after treatment.

Clear + Brilliant vs Fraxel: A Comparison Table

Which Laser is Best for Me?

Deciding between Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel depends on your skin goals, lifestyle, and comfort with downtime.

• If you want prevention, a radiant glow, and little to no downtime, Clear + Brilliant may be the first step in your anti-aging journey.
  
• If you need to correct wrinkles, scars, or advanced sun damage, Fraxel delivers stronger, longer-lasting results.

A professional consultation is the best way to determine which option suits your skin type, goals, and daily routine. A certified laser specialist can evaluate your concerns and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Refresh and Renew Your Skin at BodyLase

Your skin tells your story, so you deserve to feel confident in it. Whether you’re looking to maintain a youthful glow with Clear + Brilliant laser treatment or dramatically reduce wrinkles, scars, and sun damage with Fraxel laser treatment, BodyLase’s skilled and caring providers offer both.

Ready for smoother, more radiant skin?
Schedule your consultation with BodyLase today and discover which treatment is the best fit for you.