DPL Photo FacialIPL Photofacial, Vancouver & Richmond, BC
Light treatment for redness, sun spots and dullness
DPL (Dynamic Pulsed Light) is a refined form of IPL. It concentrates light energy into a narrower 500 to 600 nm "gold spectrum" band that is absorbed by redness and pigment. It is designed to be more controlled than traditional photo facials, with settings adjusted to your skin tone.
- 500-600
- nm light range
- 3-6
- Sessions in a typical course
- Same day
- Most people resume activities
- 500-600
- nm light range
- 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 for Melanin-Rich Skin
Compared to traditional IPL, DPL's filtered spectrum can reduce unwanted heat scatter. With proper settings, it is more suitable for melanin-rich or PIH-prone skin.
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 or rosacea
- +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
- –Individuals with active skin infections
- –People with certain medical conditions
- –Those with recent sun exposure (must wait)
- –Patients with photosensitivity
Careful with Pigment Risk
DPL can be gentler than traditional IPL, but settings matter. 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 short, physician-supervised session 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
IPL handpiece is moved across the skin in a sliding motion, delivering pulses of light.
Cooling
Cooling keeps the skin comfortable throughout the procedure.
After Treatment
Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) immediately and daily
Avoid sun exposure and wear protective clothing
Use gentle skincare products for the first 24-48 hours
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. 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?+
Traditional IPL can feel like a hot rubber band snapping against the skin. DPL uses a sliding technique with lower energy per pulse, which most people describe as warm and tolerable. 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. Because DPL filters out stray light that can increase burns or hyperpigmentation, it allows more controlled treatment of melanin-rich or PIH-prone skin than older IPL systems. Dr. Jiang's team assesses your skin first, may do a test area, and adjusts energy conservatively.
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 a DPL photo facial cost in Richmond, BC?+
We do not publish DPL prices online at the moment. The cost depends on the size of the area treated and the number of sessions recommended for your concern, so please contact the clinic for current pricing.
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.
Are DPL consultations available in Mandarin or Cantonese in Richmond?+
Yes. Our team conducts consultations in English, Mandarin and Cantonese at our Richmond clinic, about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line. We are open every day from 9:00 to 18:00.
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.
What our clinical team has written about this
How it works, who it suits, and what recovery looks like:
- 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 vs IPL Photofacial: What's the Difference?
DPL and traditional IPL both use light to treat pigment and redness, but differ in spectrum, comfort and candidate fit. A side-by-side comparison with a table.
- 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 for Redness and Sensitive Skin: Why a Narrower Spectrum Is Gentler
Why DPL's narrower light band is gentler on reactive, easily flushed skin: how it treats redness and pigment, who should avoid it, and what recovery looks like.
Also offered at our Burnaby location
SkinArt MD offers the same treatment. If Burnaby is more convenient, our sister clinic can help.
#101 - 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0H6 · +1 (604) 639-2581
