Microneedling or IPL for spots and melasma?

There is no substitute for an in-person, i.e. an up front and personal examination to pin down the diagnosis. However, from the photos, it is not clear that you actually have any significant melasma. It looks more like freckles (ephelides). If this is indeed so, then sun protection to prevent their darkening and prominence would be the first order of business, followed by the at-home use of a prescription strength bleaching cream, containing one or a combination of the following ingredients hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin or licorice extract, and a series of superficial in-office peels employing glycolic acid, Jessner's solution, or low concentrations of TCA. I am not a fan of bells and whistles devices like IPL, especially in skin of color, since such skin is particularly prone to dyspigmentation problems when exposed to light therapies, like IPLs and fraxels. Microneedling is "color blind," however, and may play a role, especially if combined with the topical application of tranexamic acid--should the other first line treatments mentioned not give rise to sufficient progress. Bottom line, you would be wise to seek consultation and treatment by a board certified aesthetic dermatologist who will both be able to accurately diagnose your problem and initiate appropriate treatment. Good luck to you.

Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + brilliant, peels, microneedling/PRP, aerolase, and sometimes erbium laser (coollaser) to get the best results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer