DPL Photo Facial (IPL Photofacial) in Richmond, BC
Light treatment near Vancouver for redness, sun spots and dullness
DPL (Dynamic Pulsed Light) is a refined form of IPL, also called photofacial or photo rejuvenation. It narrows the light to a 500 to 600 nm band that is absorbed by redness and pigment, with settings adjusted to your skin tone.
- 20–45 min
- Typical session length
- 3-6
- Sessions in a typical course
- Same day
- Most people resume activities
- 20–45 min
- Typical session length
- 3-6
- Sessions in a typical course
- Same day
- Most people resume activities
What is a DPL photo facial, and how is it different from IPL?
A DPL photo facial is a form of IPL (intense pulsed light) that uses filtered light in the 500 to 600 nm range to target redness, sun spots and uneven tone on the face, neck, chest or hands. At RAAC in Richmond, BC, Dr. Jiang's team sets the energy to your skin tone. Most people need 3 to 6 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart.
A DPL photo facial is a form of IPL (intense pulsed light) that uses filtered light in the 500 to 600 nm range to target redness, sun spots and uneven tone on the face, neck, chest or hands. At RAAC in Richmond, BC, Dr. Jiang's team sets the energy to your skin tone. Most people need 3 to 6 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart.
Targeted Precision
Concentrates light energy into a narrow 100nm 'Gold Spectrum' for precise targeting of redness and pigmentation.
Short Recovery
Most people return to normal activities straight afterwards; mild pinkness can last an hour or two.
Settings Matched to Your Skin
DPL filters the light into a narrower band, and energy is set to your skin tone and your risk of pigment rebound (PIH). A test area may be done first.
How does DPL target redness and spots?
DPL delivers filtered light that is absorbed by pigment and by visible blood vessels, aiming to treat them while limiting the effect on the surrounding skin.
Gold Spectrum Technology
Operates strictly in the 500-600nm range, optimizing absorption for both oxyhemoglobin (redness) and melanin (spots).
Dynamic Pulsed Light
Pulsed delivery helps spread the energy evenly across the treated area.
Cooling Protection
In-motion technology keeps the skin cool, making the treatment more comfortable.
Collagen Stimulation
Thermal effect stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen, improving skin texture and firmness.
Who is DPL suitable for, and who should wait?
DPL is suitable for people who want to improve skin tone, reduce pigmentation and address early signs of ageing. Our team assesses your skin type and concerns to decide whether this treatment is right for you.
Suitable For
- +Individuals with uneven skin tone
- +People with facial redness, visible broken capillaries or rosacea-type flushing
- +Those with sunspots, age spots, or freckles
- +Patients seeking skin brightening and clarity
- +People with mild pigmentation issues
- +Individuals with early signs of aging
Not Recommended For
- –Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- –Active skin infection, cold sore or open wound in the treatment area
- –Melasma or a history of keloid scarring, which need physician assessment first
- –Recent sun exposure, tanning or self-tanner (treatment should wait)
- –Photosensitivity, including photosensitizing medications or supplements; tell us before booking
Careful with Pigment Risk
Settings matter with any light-based treatment. Our team calibrates energy conservatively when PIH risk is higher.
Even Energy Delivery
A sliding technique spreads the energy evenly, which helps avoid the striped marks that uneven passes can cause.
Sensitive, Flushed Skin
Dr. Jiang's team treats sensitive, flushed skin with conservative settings, aiming to calm redness rather than irritate the skin.
Combination Protocols
DPL is often combined with PicoWay for a "pigment and redness" plan where it suits your skin.
Comfort Measures
Cooling sapphire tips protect the skin surface and keep the treatment comfortable.
Which areas can DPL treat?
DPL Photo Facial can be performed on various facial areas to address pigmentation, redness, and skin texture concerns.
Full Face
Complete facial treatment for overall skin tone improvement and redness reduction.
Cheeks & Nose
Target areas prone to rosacea, broken capillaries, and sun damage.
Forehead & Chin
Address pigmentation spots and improve skin clarity in these areas.
Neck & Décolletage
Treat sun-damaged skin and improve texture in these delicate areas.
Hands
Reduce age spots and improve skin appearance on aging hands.
Spot Treatment
Target specific pigmentation issues or broken capillaries.
What happens during a DPL session?
A physician-supervised session that commonly takes 20–45 minutes depending on the area, with clear before and after instructions.
Before Treatment
Avoid sun exposure for 2-4 weeks prior
Discontinue retinoids and exfoliants 1 week before
Come to appointment with clean, makeup-free skin
Inform doctor of any medications or medical conditions
Keep skin well-hydrated before treatment
During Treatment
Preparation
Skin is cleansed and protective eyewear is provided.
Application
Cool gel is applied to the treatment area for light transmission.
Treatment
The IPL handpiece is moved across the skin in a sliding motion, delivering pulses of light. Most people feel warmth and a light snap; ask us about comfort options.
Cooling
Cooling keeps the skin comfortable throughout the procedure.
After Treatment
Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) immediately and daily, avoid direct sun and wear protective clothing
Spots may darken over the first few days and flake off within about 7–10 days. Do not pick or scrub them.
Use gentle skincare for the first 24–48 hours, and restart retinoids or exfoliants only when your physician advises
Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Skin may appear pink for 1-2 hours (like mild sunburn)
**Most people need 3 to 6 sessions. Individual results vary.
Common Questions
What is a DPL photo facial, and how is it different from IPL?+
DPL (Dynamic Pulsed Light) is a refined type of IPL photofacial. It filters the light into a narrower 500 to 600 nm band that is absorbed by redness and pigment, with less stray light. "Photofacial", "IPL photofacial" and "photo rejuvenation" are different names for the same category of light-based skin treatment. It is used for facial redness, sun spots, freckles and uneven tone. Dr. Jiang's team checks your skin type before choosing the settings.
How many DPL sessions do I need?+
For a general brightening, one session can give a nice glow. For redness, rosacea-type flushing or heavier pigmentation, we typically suggest a course of 3 to 6 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Results vary from person to person.
Does DPL hurt, and what is the recovery?+
Most people describe a light snap and warmth, similar to a rubber band flick, and the skin is cooled during treatment. A session commonly takes 20–45 minutes depending on the area. You may be pink for 1 to 2 hours. Most people wear makeup and return to work straight afterwards, and sun protection is important in the days that follow.
Is DPL suitable for darker or Asian skin?+
It can be, with careful settings. Dr. Jiang's team assesses your skin type and history first, may do a test area, and sets the energy conservatively when the risk of pigment rebound (PIH) is higher. Suitability depends on your skin, and not every skin tone or history is a fit for light-based treatment.
DPL or laser (such as PicoWay): which one do I need?+
PicoWay is a photo-acoustic laser suited to stubborn pigment and tattoo removal. DPL is a photo-thermal light suited to general tone improvement, redness and superficial spots. Often the two are used together: DPL for background tone and redness, and PicoWay for individual dark spots.
How much does an IPL photofacial cost in Richmond, BC?+
The cost depends on the area treated (face, neck, chest or hands), how many sessions your concern needs (often 3 to 6 for redness or heavier pigment, one for a general glow) and what the skin assessment finds. We do not publish prices online; the clinic gives you a quote after Dr. Jiang's team has assessed your skin and recommended a plan.
Can DPL be combined with other treatments?+
Yes. For stubborn pigmentation and redness, Dr. Charles Jiang may suggest a layered plan: DPL first for background tone and redness, PicoWay for individual dark spots and PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), then Sylfirm X RF microneedling to tighten pores and support collagen. Combination plans are personalized at consultation.
Can I come from Vancouver for an IPL photofacial, and do you speak Mandarin or Cantonese?+
Yes. RAAC is at Unit 110, 5580 No. 3 Rd in Richmond, about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line, so clients from Vancouver and Burnaby can come by SkyTrain. Consultations are in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, and we are open every day 9:00 to 18:00. A session takes 20–45 minutes and most people go straight back to work.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?+
Many people notice a brighter tone within about 1–3 weeks of a session, with spots fading gradually and the full result building across the course. How long results last depends on your skin and on sun exposure. Daily sun protection helps, and periodic maintenance sessions, for example once a year, are sometimes discussed. Results vary.
Will my spots get darker or flake, and what about sun and retinol afterwards?+
Treated brown spots often look darker for the first few days, then flake off within about 7–10 days; this is a normal part of healing for many people. Do not pick or scrub them. Avoid direct sun and tanning and apply SPF 30+ daily. Stop retinoids and exfoliants about a week before, restart them only when your physician says so, and use gentle products for the first 24–48 hours.
Is DPL suitable if I have melasma?+
Melasma needs physician assessment before any light-based treatment, because light and heat can sometimes make it worse. Dr. Jiang's team will look at your skin, history and recent sun exposure, and may advise another approach or waiting. Please mention melasma, or any past keloid scarring, when you book.
Is an IPL photofacial worth it?+
It can be, when the concern is what light treats well: diffuse redness, broken capillaries, sun spots, freckles and uneven tone. It usually takes a course of 3 to 6 sessions, results fade without sun protection, and it does little for laxity, deep wrinkles or scarring. Melasma and some darker skin types need extra caution. Dr. Jiang's team tells you at assessment whether IPL suits your goal or another option fits better.
Concerns this treatment is used for
Each of these has its own page explaining the cause, the options, and what recovery looks like:
Reveal Your Glow
Book a skin assessment with Dr. Jiang's team to see whether a DPL photo facial is right for your skin. Physician-supervised light therapy at Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic.
Related treatments
What our clinical team has written about this
How it works, who it suits, and what recovery looks like:
- DPL Photofacial for Pigment and Redness: How It Works
How DPL's narrow-spectrum light targets brown spots and visible redness, what published studies report, who is a good candidate and what a session involves.
- DPL vs IPL: What's the Difference? DPL Photo Facial in Richmond BC
DPL vs IPL: DPL is the narrow-spectrum version of IPL, targeting pigment and redness more precisely. See how they differ in spectrum, comfort and candidate fit, with a side-by-side table.
- V Carbon vs DPL Photo Facial: Pores and Glow, or Spots and Redness?
V Carbon is a non-laser carbon peel for pores, oil and dullness; a DPL photo facial uses filtered light for redness, sun spots and uneven tone. How they differ and how the choice is made.
- DPL Facial Treatment: How Narrow-Spectrum Light Helps Redness and Sensitive Skin
What DPL facial treatment is and how its narrower light band treats redness and pigment more gently than IPL, who should avoid it, and what recovery looks like.
