What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, sometimes called collagen induction therapy, is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses tiny, sterile needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These controlled punctures stimulate your body’s natural healing process, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks of healthy, youthful-looking skin. At GLO Antiaging, our Calgary and Kelowna teams use professional microneedling devices designed to deliver precision and safety, resulting in visibly refreshed and revitalized skin over time.

How Does Microneedling Work?

Once the skin is treated with microneedling, a complex regenerative process begins at the cellular level. The microchannels created by the needles trigger a controlled inflammatory response, prompting the release of growth factors and the activation of fibroblasts, cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and other extracellular matrix components. This cascade leads to the remodeling of dermal tissue, improving skin structure and resilience over time. Clinically, this manifests as smoother texture, refined pores, reduced acne scars, and softened fine lines. At GLO Antiaging, we elevate these effects by infusing the skin with targeted serums immediately after treatment, optimizing cellular repair and accelerating visible improvements in skin tone, elasticity, and hydration. If you’re unsure which skincare treatment is right for your needs, our experienced skincare clinicians are here to help you navigate your options, assess your skin’s unique condition, and recommend a personalized plan that aligns with your goals.

What Skin Concerns Can Microneedling Treat?

Clients in both Calgary and Kelowna choose microneedling to address a wide range of skin concerns, including: • Fine lines and early signs of aging • Dull or uneven skin tone • Acne scarring and pitting • Stretch marks • Rough skin texture • Mild sagging or laxity Whether you want a brighter complexion or smoother skin, microneedling offers a proven solution tailored to your unique needs.

Am I a Good Candidate for Microneedling?

Microneedling is a versatile and effective treatment suitable for a wide range of skin types and tones, making it a popular choice for clients at GLO Antiaging in Calgary and Kelowna. You may be an excellent candidate if you're looking to improve: • Fine lines and early signs of aging • Acne scars or other mild scarring • Enlarged pores • Uneven skin tone or rough texture • Stretch marks or mild skin laxity • Dull or tired-looking skin Microneedling works well for both men and women and is safe for most skin tones, including deeper complexions where laser treatments may not be appropriate. It’s also an ideal option for those seeking results without significant downtime or invasive procedures. However, there are certain situations where microneedling may not be recommended. You may need to postpone or avoid treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active acne, open wounds, or skin infections in the treatment area, are prone to keloid scarring, have a bleeding disorder, or have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past six months. Individuals with a history of poor wound healing or severe rosacea may also be advised against the procedure. At GLO Antiaging, your safety and results are our highest priority. During your consultation, we’ll thoroughly assess your medical history, skin condition, and goals to determine whether microneedling is appropriate for you, or recommend a more suitable alternative if needed.

How Many Microneedling Sessions Will I Need?

For optimal results, most people require 3 to 6 sessions, spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart. Your Clinician will recommend a treatment schedule based on your skin goals and how your skin responds to the procedure.

Smart Summer Strategies for Melasma Management

Melasma can be one of the most stubborn and emotionally frustrating skin conditions. It tends to flare with heat, hormones, and most of all, sun exposure. During the summer months, managing melasma requires a thoughtful, multi-layered strategy. Here are smart, evidence-informed ways to keep your melasma under control while still enjoying the season.

SPF, Every. Single. Day. Broad-spectrum is your number one melasma defense. Apply it every morning and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors. Focus on full-face coverage, including the jawline, upper lip, and sides of the face.
Tip: Choose a mineral (physical) sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for the best UV protection and skin tolerance.
- GLO Physical Sunscreen Favourites include: Alastin Silksheild All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 and Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36.

Think Beyond Sunscreen SPF alone isn’t enough. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and shade are your melasma BFFs. Opt for UPF-rated clothing when possible, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors.

It’s Not Just About the Face: The Full-Body Sun Connection to Melasma

When your arms, chest, or legs are exposed to UV radiation, your body responds by increasing melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) systemically. This hormone doesn’t just act where the sun hits, it can stimulate melanin production in areas prone to melasma, like your face.

So even if your face is shaded under a hat and sunscreen, prolonged UV exposure elsewhere (like tanning your legs or shoulders) can still lead to melasma flare-ups.

Avoid Overheating the Skin: Heat (even without sun) can worsen melasma. Avoid saunas, hot yoga, and prolonged sun exposure. Stick to early morning or late evening activities when possible, and use cool compresses after workouts.
Time Your Outdoor Exposure: Try to avoid the sun during peak UV hours (10 AM–4 PM). Morning walks or evening patio hangs? Perfect.

Your At-Home Routine is the Foundation

In-clinic treatments play a powerful role in managing melasma, but what you do every day at home is just as important, if not more. Think of your skincare routine as the foundation: it maintains your progress, supports skin health, and keeps pigmentation under control between treatments.

Keep Skincare Active but Gentle- Support your skin with melasma-friendly actives such as:

Tranexamic Acid
Niacinamide
Azelaic Acid
Vitamin C
Retinol (use with care, always at night, and pair with SPF during the day)

Consistency is key, aggressive treatment can cause irritation and make things worse.

The Role of Hydroquinone: Targeted Pigment Control for Melasma

Hydroquinone is a gold-standard ingredient in the treatment of melasma. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the key enzyme involved in melanin production, and by reducing the number of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment. This dual action helps to significantly reduce melanin formation in the skin, leading to a gradual lightening of hyperpigmented areas. With consistent use, visible improvement is typically noticeable within several weeks.

At GLO Antiaging, we recommend a pulse approach to hydroquinone use (under professional guidance) to maximize results while minimizing risks of rebound hyperpigmentation.

Our favourite Skincare Products for Melasma:

Vivier Advanced Skin Lightening Serum – A gentle but effective blend with 2% hydroquinone plus antioxidants.
Vivier Corrector 2 – 2% hydroquinone for more intensive treatment.
ZO Pigment Control – 2% hydroquinone plus advanced delivery systems for even absorption.
ZO Pigment Control + Blending Crème + Retinol– Combines 2% hydroquinone with retinol for deeper results, ideal in physician-guided programs.
Vivier Brighten and Restore Program – the value of this program is incredible.

Important: Hydroquinone is best used under supervision and not typically year-round. Summer use should be paired with strict sun protection.

The Paused Approach to Hydroquinone:

While hydroquinone is highly effective, long-term continuous use can lead to potential side effects such as skin irritation or a plateau in results. That’s why we follow a paused (or pulsed) approach at GLO.

This method involves using hydroquinone consistently for a set period (typically 12-16 weeks), followed by a break period where patients switch to non-hydroquinone brighteners and supportive treatments like antioxidants, retinol, and exfoliants.

This strategy:

Helps prevent tachyphylaxis (when the skin stops responding to treatment)
Reduces the risk of irritation or unwanted side effects
Allows skin to reset and remain responsive to future hydroquinone cycles
Supports long-term pigment control and skin health

We also recommend titrating off hydroquinone gradually rather than stopping abruptly, as this helps minimize the risk of rebound pigmentation.

Non-Hydroquinone Tyrosinase Inhibitors

When cycling off hydroquinone, non-HQ brighteners are a crucial part of maintaining results and preventing rebound pigmentation. These products work to inhibit tyrosinase and reduce melanin production without the risks associated with long-term hydroquinone use. These are also excellent options for patients who prefer a non-hydroquinone option.

Our top picks:

ZO Brightalive – A non-retinol brightener with a blend of peptides,niacinamide and natural tyrosinase inhibitors tranexamic acid.
Alastin A-Luminate – A gentle yet effective formula with tranexamic acid and niacinamide. Plus PATH-3 Technology which Helps to minimize the recurrence of surface pigmentation and protect against future damage with continued use.
Vivier Skin Brightening Cream – An effective skin brightening cream for mild pigmentation, uneven skin tone and sun damage. Arbutin and Resorcinol lighten darkened areas and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin is left with a more even tone and texture.t and antioxidant-rich,
Vivier Radiance Serum – GLO-boosting antioxidant serum formulated with 8% L-Ascorbic Acid USP (Vitamin C), 2% Arbutin and Resorcinol to stimulate cellular turnover, brighten and reduce the look of dark spots while protecting against other visible signs of aging and environmental damage.
Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum – A powerful blend targeting brown patches and discoloration.

These are excellent options to maintain brightening results and support skin health while giving your skin a break from hydroquinone.

The Skincare Trifecta

When you use a pigment-brightening product, you’re essentially turning off the engine of the melanocyte, the cell responsible for producing pigment. The melanocyte doesn’t disappear, but it becomes more calm and controlled.

Once we’ve turned off that engine, the next step is to clear out the existing pigment. To do that effectively, we rely on three key things:

Retinol: Retinol stimulates cellular turnover, which is essential after calming the melanocyte. Since the pigment-producing engine has been turned off, we need to help the already pigmented skin cells rise to the surface and naturally shed. This process supports a clearer, more even complexion over time
Exfoliant: Exfoliants help clear away the buildup of dead skin cells that result from retinol-induced cellular turnover. This step keeps the skin smooth, allows brightening ingredients to penetrate more effectively, and helps reveal a more radiant, even-toned complexion.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative stress—one of the key triggers of melasma. It also boosts the effectiveness of your SPF, enhancing your overall defense against UV damage and environmental aggressors that can cause pigmentation to return.

Professional Help = Game-Changer Consistent in-clinic support can elevate your results. At GLO Antiaging in Calgary and Kelowna, we recommend continuing with summer-safe treatment protocols like our exclusive Pico Genesis to help maintain control over melasma during the sunny season. Other go to treatments include Bio Re Peel and the Spectra Carbon Laser Peel.

For deeper correction, Pico Advanced Rejuvenation is best reserved for fall and winter, when UV exposure is lower. These treatments do the heavy lifting in your melasma journey, targeting stubborn pigmentation at its source.

A seasonal strategy = smarter, more sustainable outcomes.

Hydration and Antioxidants Matter For Treating Melasma

Inflammation and oxidative stress are melasma triggers. Keep your skin barrier strong with antioxidant serums and hydrating moisturizers. Healthy skin is more resilient and less prone to pigmentation flare-ups.

Melasma Solutions and Personalized Care at GLO Antiaging in Calgary & Kelowna

Melasma doesn’t have to control your summer. With daily diligence, smart sun habits, and personalized treatment strategies, you can enjoy the season with more confidence and fewer pigment surprises. Ready to take control? Let’s build a plan that works with your skin’s unique needs year-round.

Contact us to learn more about melasma-safe treatments or to book your personalized skin consultation at GLO Antiagiging in Calgary or GLO Antiaging Youth Lab Kelowna, we also provide virtual skincare consultations across Canada from our Calgary location and all products can be purchased both in clinic in Calgary or Kelowna or in our online store.

With over a ten years of experience, GLO Antiaging Treatment Bar is Calgary’s trusted destination for advanced medical aesthetics. Our expert team is dedicated to delivering personalized care, exceptional results, and the highest standard of safety, helping you feel confident in your skin every step of the way.