Dr. Mok, Founder of Allure Medical, sat down to explain why this treatment has become a staple for anyone serious about glowing, healthy skin—and how it fits into the world of modern resurfacing treatments.
What Is Clear + Brilliant, and How Does It Work?
Let’s back up. The Clear + Brilliant system comes from the makers of Fraxel, a name that’s been around since 2004 and is practically synonymous with fractional laser resurfacing. The original Fraxel was a game-changer—it allowed doctors to resurface skin “fractionally,” meaning only small, targeted sections of skin were treated at a time. This meant faster healing, less risk, and excellent results compared to traditional, old-school resurfacing lasers that basically took off your whole top layer of skin (and left you with weeks of downtime to show for it).
Over the years, Fraxel has evolved. At Allure Medical, we now use an advanced version that delivers results equal to or better than the classic CO2 resurfacing lasers—but with just four to seven days of downtime (instead of a month) and way less pain. That’s a huge win.
Enter: Clear + Brilliant
So where does Clear + Brilliant come in? Think of it as Fraxel’s little sister. It’s a “de-tuned” version of the Fraxel laser, using much lower energy and treating just about 5% of the skin at once (compared to 60% with traditional Fraxel). This was originally designed to safely treat people with pigment disorders or darker skin types—situations where you really don’t want to risk making pigmentation issues worse. By dialing down the intensity, Clear + Brilliant makes it possible to address conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation with minimal risk.
“Clear + Brilliant is ideal for regular maintenance, early signs of aging, pigmentation issues, and anyone who wants a gentle approach without a ton of downtime.”
More Than Skin-Deep: It’s a Medication Delivery System
Here’s the part most people don’t realize: Clear + Brilliant isn’t just about making your skin look better—the laser actually prepares your skin to absorb medical-grade skincare products more effectively. Think of it as opening thousands of tiny doorways for ingredients like strong vitamin C, retinol, and hydroquinone (for melasma) to penetrate deeper and work harder.
Right after a Clear + Brilliant session, your skin is especially receptive to these products. If you’re frustrated by lackluster results with your current skincare routine—whether that’s redness, brown spots, texture, or pore size—this treatment can kick things up a notch.
“If you’re not using medical-grade skincare after Clear + Brilliant, you’re wasting your money.”
Dr. Mok is clear: “At Allure, we won’t even do the procedure unless you commit to our recommended skincare. Why? Because the laser is designed as a medication delivery system—skip that, and you’re missing the point (and the results).”
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Many women come in for Clear + Brilliant four times a year, using it as a kind of “reset” for their skin. According to Dr. Mok, at the end of the year, they look noticeably younger than when they started. There’s even some hard data: “One patient who did six sessions over 18 months saw her VISIA skin analysis (a computer-generated skin assessment) show her skin ‘aged backwards’ by seven years.”
“Six sessions, one and a half years, seven years younger—now that’s math everyone can get behind.”
When Should You Consider Fraxel Instead?
If you have more severe concerns—deep wrinkles, acne scars, significant pigmentation—Dr. Mok recommends jumping straight to the Fraxel laser. Yes, there’s more downtime (about four to seven days of peeling), but it’s manageable, especially since they numb the skin beforehand. You’ll get more dramatic results in fewer treatments.
But for people with milder sun damage, minimal wrinkles, or those looking for regular upkeep, Clear + Brilliant is the go-to. Just remember: The key is pairing it with the right skincare.
The Bottom Line
Clear + Brilliant has become the most commonly used device at Allure Medical—there’s one in every one of our locations, and it’s been a favorite for years. Why? Because it works, it’s safe for a wide range of skin types, and it fits easily into a busy life.
“Clear + Brilliant is routine maintenance for your skin—the equivalent of brushing and flossing, but at a cellular level.”
If you’re ready to step up your skincare game, ask about Clear + Brilliant (and be prepared to invest in some serious medical-grade products). Your future self will thank you.
