DPL Photo Facial (IPL Photofacial) in Burnaby Redness, Spots and Uneven Tone
Filtered pulsed light, physician-assessed, at Metrotown
DPL (Dynamic Pulsed Light) is a refined form of IPL, also called photofacial or photo rejuvenation. It filters light into a narrower band aimed at redness and pigment. Skin Art MD offers DPL photo facials in Burnaby for clients across Vancouver.
- 20–45 min
- Typical Session Length
- Light-Based
- Not a Laser
- 3–6
- Sessions in a Typical Course
- 20–45 min
- Typical Session Length
- Light-Based
- Not a Laser
- 3–6
- Sessions in a Typical Course
What Is a DPL Photo Facial and What Does It Treat?
DPL stands for Dynamic Pulsed Light. It is a refined form of IPL that filters broad-spectrum light into a band of roughly 500 to 600 nm, which is absorbed by both red (blood vessels) and brown (pigment) targets. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby it is discussed for redness, sun spots and uneven tone; a physician assessment decides suitability.
DPL is light-based rather than a laser, so it suits broad concerns such as redness and scattered spots. Laser options such as PicoWay and PicoSure suit more targeted pigment or texture work. Most people resume normal activities the same day; temporary redness and darkening of spots are possible.
Targeted Light Band
Filtering narrows the light to the range absorbed by red and brown targets.
Quick Recovery
Most people resume normal activities the same day, with temporary redness possible.
Settings Matched to Skin
Energy is set conservatively when the risk of pigment rebound is higher, as in melanin-rich skin.
How Does DPL Differ From Standard IPL?
Standard IPL uses a wide range of wavelengths. DPL filters the light to a narrower band so that more of the energy goes to the intended targets.
Filtered Band
Light in about the 500 to 600 nm range is absorbed by both haemoglobin (redness) and melanin (spots).
Dynamic Pulsing
Pulsing is shaped to deliver energy evenly.
Cooling
Cooling during treatment keeps the skin comfortable.
Collagen Support
Gentle warming can support collagen over a series of sessions.
Who Do Clinicians Consider for DPL?
A physician assessment decides suitability, including skin type, history and recent sun exposure.
Concerns People Raise
- +Facial redness or flushing
- +Sun spots, age spots and freckles
- +Uneven skin tone
- +Visible small capillaries
- +Early signs of ageing
Reasons the Physician May Advise Waiting
- –Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- –Skin infection, cold sore or open wound in the area
- –A recent tan, sun exposure or self-tanner
- –Photosensitizing medication; tell us at booking
- –Melasma or a history of keloid scarring, which need physician assessment first
What Is Different About DPL at Skin Art MD?
Settings matter with any light-based treatment. Here treatment sits inside a physician-led clinic at Metrotown.
Physician-Led Clinic
Plans sit within the care of the clinic's medical director, Dr. Charles Jiang.
Even Technique
Sliding passes spread energy evenly, which avoids striped marks.
Care for Sensitive Skin
Settings are planned conservatively for reactive, flushed skin.
Combination Plans
DPL is sometimes paired with PicoSure or PicoWay for redness and pigment together.
Which Areas Can DPL Treat?
The face is the main area; other sun-exposed areas can be discussed.
Full Face
Overall tone and redness.
Cheeks and Nose
Areas prone to flushing and visible capillaries.
Forehead and Chin
Spots and tone.
Neck and Décolletage
Sun-exposed skin.
Hands
Age spots on the backs of the hands.
What Happens During a DPL Visit?
A session commonly takes 20–45 minutes depending on the area. Most people feel a light snap and warmth.
Before Your Visit
Avoid sun and tanning for about four weeks
Tell us about medications, pregnancy and recent procedures
Arrive with a clean face
Pause retinoids and strong exfoliants if your physician advises
Tell us about cold sores, keloid scarring or melasma
During Your Session
Preparation
The skin is cleansed and protective eyewear is provided.
Gel Application
A cool gel is applied for light transmission.
Treatment
The handpiece glides over the skin, delivering pulses of light.
Cooling
Cooling keeps the skin comfortable throughout.
After Your Session
Mild redness usually settles within hours
Spots may darken over the first few days and flake off within about 7–10 days
Wear sunscreen daily and avoid tanning
Use gentle products and do not pick
Tone may look brighter within about 1–3 weeks. A course is typically 3–6 sessions, and periodic maintenance may be discussed.
**Individual results vary. A physician assessment decides suitability.
DPL Photo Facial Questions Answered
What is DPL?+
DPL, or Dynamic Pulsed Light, is a refined form of IPL that filters light into a narrower band aimed at redness and pigment. "Photofacial", "IPL photofacial" and "photo rejuvenation" are different names for the same category of light-based skin treatment.
Is DPL a laser?+
No. DPL is a light-based treatment, not a laser. Laser options such as PicoWay and PicoSure suit more targeted work.
Does it hurt, and how long does a session take?+
Most people feel a light snap and warmth, and cooling keeps it comfortable. A session commonly takes 20–45 minutes depending on the area.
What is recovery like?+
Mild redness usually settles within hours. Treated spots may darken over the first few days and flake off within about 7–10 days; do not pick them. Wear sunscreen daily, avoid tanning, and restart retinoids or exfoliants only when your physician advises.
How many sessions are needed?+
A course of about 3–6 sessions spaced around 4 weeks apart is typical. The physician sets the plan, and results vary.
Should I choose DPL or a laser like PicoSure?+
DPL suits broad redness and scattered spots; picosecond lasers suit more targeted pigment and texture. A physician assessment helps choose.
Is DPL used on darker skin tones or if I have melasma?+
Settings can be set conservatively when the risk of pigment rebound is higher, and suitability depends on your skin and history. Melasma needs physician assessment first, because light and heat can sometimes worsen it, so please mention it when you book.
Can DPL be combined with other treatments?+
Yes, it is sometimes paired with picosecond laser treatment. The physician advises on timing.
Can DPL help with redness or rosacea?+
It is discussed for facial redness and visible capillaries. A physician assessment decides whether it suits your skin.
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 across the course. How long results last depends on your skin and sun exposure. Daily sun protection helps, and periodic maintenance may be discussed. Results vary.
Where is it offered near Vancouver?+
Skin Art MD is at #101 – 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, near Metrotown Station on the Expo Line, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00.
How much does a DPL photo facial cost?+
The cost depends on the area treated and the number of sessions recommended for your concern. It is explained at your consultation before any treatment, and you can call +1 (604) 639-2581 to ask.
GHK-Cu Copper Peptide Daily Renewal
GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide) is a naturally occurring peptide that supports the collagen and elastin synthesis pathways of fibroblasts, helping maintain skin firmness and radiance. As a topical skincare ingredient it is gentle and skin-friendly — an ideal home-care companion after in-clinic light and laser treatments.
Collagen · Firmness
Supports collagen and elastin to improve fine lines and elasticity.
Soothe · Barrier Repair
Gently calms post-treatment skin and supports barrier recovery.
Brighten · Even Tone
Helps brighten and even out tone for natural radiance.
Gentle · Everyday
A gentle topical formula suited to daily and post-care use.
Our copper-peptide mask infuses GHK-Cu into a treatment mask for focused hydration, soothing and firming — an ideal home-care choice after photofacial and other in-clinic treatments. Use regularly as guided by your physician or care team.
* The copper-peptide mask is a topical skincare product for daily and post-treatment home care; it contains no injectable ingredients and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual results vary.
Book a DPL Photo Facial in Burnaby
Skin Art MD is at #101 – 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, near Metrotown Station. A physician assessment guides your plan.
Related treatments
Related articles
How it works, who it suits, and what recovery looks like:
- DPL Photo Facial Burnaby BC: The Science of Radiant Skin
How DPL Photo Facial works: narrow-spectrum light that targets pigment and redness, what the research says, how it compares with IPL, and what a session involves at Skin Art MD in Burnaby.
- DPL Photofacial for Redness & Sun Damage: A Burnaby Guide to More Even-Toned Skin
Redness, rosacea, broken capillaries, and sun damage spots making you reach for heavy concealer every morning? DPL photofacial uses pulsed light to target discoloration at the source — no incisions, and most people go straight back to their day. Here's what the Skin Art MD team wants you to know.
