If you’ve been battling stubborn brown patches on your face that seem to laugh in the face of every serum you’ve tried, chances are, you’re dealing with melasma. And you’re not alone.
Melasma can be a persistent, confidence-zapping skin condition. But there’s good news: microneedling for melasma — one of the most exciting treatments for fading these patches and bringing back that fresh, even-toned glow!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how microneedling works for melasma, what results you can expect, and why Lovoir is the day spa Christchurch locals trust for advanced, results-driven treatments.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark, blotchy patches — usually on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jawline — due to an overproduction of melanin (the pigment that gives our skin its colour).
Common triggers include:
- Sun exposure — UV rays signal your skin to produce more pigment.
- Hormonal changes — pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone therapy can spark it.
- Genetics — if your parents had pigmentation issues, you may be more prone.
Unlike freckles or age spots, melasma sits deeper in the skin, making it more resistant to over-the-counter creams and quick fixes.
How Microneedling Works for Melasma
While it helps to manage melasma with skincare tips and lifestyle changes, facial treatments come a long way in long-term improvements. One advanced facial we highly recommend: Microneedling.
Microneedling uses ultra-fine needles to create tiny, controlled channels in the skin. This triggers your body’s natural healing process — stimulating collagen production, increasing cell turnover, and allowing targeted serums to penetrate more deeply.
For melasma, this means:
- Breaking up melanin clusters so pigment appears more evenly distributed.
- Encouraging new skin growth that’s brighter and healthier.
- Enhancing serum absorption, so pigment-correcting ingredients work harder.
Over multiple sessions, melasma patches can fade significantly, and your skin tone can become visibly more even.
Benefits of Microneedling for Melasma
- Evens skin tone and reduces pigmentation
- Improves skin texture and firmness
- Minimal downtime (typically 24–48 hours of redness)
- Safe for most skin types, including darker tones that may react poorly to other treatments
Risks and Considerations of Microneedling for Melasma
Microneedling is generally safe when performed by trained professionals, but it’s not a one-time cure. Most clients need 4–6 sessions spaced a month apart, plus maintenance treatments, to keep melasma under control.
Mild redness and swelling are common for the first day or two. Occasionally, pigmentation may temporarily darken before it fades — part of the skin’s renewal process.
Tip: Avoid at-home microneedling devices, as incorrect use can worsen pigmentation.
Microneedling for Melasma at Lovoir Day Spa Christchurch
Once you’ve decided microneedling is the right option for treating melasma, it’s important to choose a provider with the right technology, high safety standards, and the expertise to get results without risking further pigmentation.
Lovoir Skin Body & Beauty is the day spa Christchurch locals trust for advanced microneedling treatments — and we’re proud to be official providers of DermapenWorld’s Dermapen4™, the original and most trusted in-clinic microneedling device.
Microneedling with EXO-SKIN™ Exosomes for Melasma
While our classic microneedling treatment already delivers incredible results, upgrading your treatment to include our DP Dermaceuticals Exosomes™ takes skin rejuvenation to the next level — especially for stubborn pigmentation like melasma.
What are Exosomes?
Exosomes are powerful natural messengers, packed with growth factors, proteins, and peptides that promote healing, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen and elastin production. In skincare, they help speed up recovery and enhance pigment correction — which is key for melasma clients.
Why Pair Microneedling and Exosomes?
Here at Lovoir, we use the EXO-SKIN™ exosome serum. Here’s how it works:
Microneedling creates micro-channels in the skin, allowing the EXO-SKIN™ serum to penetrate deeply where it can get to work repairing cells, calming inflammation, and dispersing excess pigment. For melasma, this means:
- Faster visible results
- Less post-treatment redness and sensitivity
- A reduced risk of rebound pigmentation
- A brighter, more even skin tone with each session
About EXO-SKIN™ at Lovoir
- Sourced from umbilical cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) using HLA-G ComplexA™ technology for safety and immune tolerance
- Contains over 3,300 signalling proteins for powerful regenerative benefits
- Free from animal derivatives and ethically sourced
- Delivered through Dermapen4™ for precision and maximum results
What to Expect During Your Treatment
- Consultation — We assess your skin, triggers, and treatment history to tailor the approach for your melasma.
- Preparation — Gentle cleanse and optional numbing cream for your comfort.
- Microneedling with Dermapen4™ — Creates precise channels while stimulating collagen and breaking up pigment clusters.
- EXO-SKIN™ Serum Infusion — Delivers regenerative proteins, peptides, and hydrating ingredients deep into your skin.
- Aftercare Plan — Including SPF guidance and gentle skincare to maintain results and protect your progress.
Microneedling Aftercare for Melasma Clients
To keep melasma from making a comeback, post-treatment care is essential:
- Avoid makeup for 24 hours
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser after 12 hours
- Keep skin hydrated with recommended products
- Apply SPF 30+ daily and avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks
- Avoid intense exercise and heat for 48–72 hours
Book Microneedling in Christchurch
Melasma may be stubborn, but with microneedling and EXO-SKIN™ exosomes, we can target the cause, support skin healing, and reveal a brighter, more even complexion.
Book microneedling in Christchurch and experience why Lovoir is the day spa Christchurch locals trust for beautiful, healthy skin!
For the ultimate glow, we recommend pairing your treatment with one of our luxury facials Christchurch clients rave about.
Whatever the case, our expert aestheticians are experts at recommending the best treatment plan for you. You can start by booking a skin consultation for a comprehensive analysis of your skin condition, and we can go from there!
Sounds good? See you at Lovoir Day Spa for clearer, more confident skin!
Visit our Beauty Salon & Day Spa at Lovoir The Crossing:
Related Microneedling Treatments You Might Also Love
- Ultimate Guide: What Is Microneedling?
- Ultimate Guide: Microneedling with Exosomes
- Can Dermapen Microneedling Be Used On Any Skin Colour?
- Microneedling for Scars
- Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
- Microneedling for Wrinkles and Aging
- Microneedling for Acne
- Nanofusion 101: The Microneedling Alternative for Sensitive Skin
- EXO-GROW Microneedling: The Ultimate Hair Rejuvenation Treatment
By covering these topics, we’re building Lovoir as Christchurch’s go-to resource for all things Microneedling.
