Your search for the perfect product to target skin discoloration ends here! SkinCeuticals unveiled a brand new serum today—Discoloration Defense—that’s equipped to show your skin discoloration who’s boss. The Skincare.com team received a complimentary sample to test and review prior to launch, and we did just that. Read on to discover why SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense deserves a spot in your arsenal.From the ticking hands of time to unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays, chances are your complexion has been marked with some sort of discoloration. While we can’t do much about rewinding the clock, we can still turn to potent products to boost brightness and address the signs of visible discoloration. That’s where SkinCeuticals new Discoloration Defense comes in. With this daily serum, you’re able to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration over time for brighter-looking skin. To discover just how well SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense works, our editor took the formula for a test drive on her own skin, and is sharing her honest review ahead.WHAT CAUSES SKIN DISCOLORATION? If you’re dealing with dark spots or areas of brown discoloration on your skin, there are a few common culprits that could be to blame.Sun Exposure: One of the biggest causes behind dark spots and discoloration is overexposure to the sun. Harmful UV rays can wreak havoc on skin that’s not protected, and it’s the leading cause of dark spots among light-skinned individuals, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).What You Can Do: Protect yourself from harmful UV rays by applying broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher each and every day—regardless of the weather forecast—and reapplying at least every two hours. Take your protection a step further by wearing protective clothing when outdoors, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—when rays are strongest. Genetics: If your parents have brown patches of discoloration on their skin, you may have a genetic predisposition to discoloration.What You Can Do: Unfortunately, you can’t do much to change your genes. That said, keeping a well-rounded skin care routine and protecting your skin against UV rays can be helpful at preventing pre-existing discoloration from getting worse. Hormones: Melasma refers to the patchy brown discoloration that often appears during pregnancy. It often develops due to sun exposure, but typically a combination of other factors are at play, including hormonal fluctuations.What You Can Do: If your discolored patches are due to melasma—dubbed “the mask of pregnancy”—they may fade on their own after pregnancy. If it doesn’t, talk to your dermatologist about your options.THE BENEFITS OF SKINCEUTICALS DISCOLORATION DEFENSEAs you can see, there are a number of factors that can cause your skin to look uneven in tone. While sun protection is the number one way to protect your skin not only from skin discoloration, but also from signs of aging and even some cancers, it’s more of a prevention plan rather than a treatment plan. To help improve the look of pre-existing discoloration, look to using SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense in tandem with your SPF. Formulated with a synergistic blend of tranexamic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid, and sulfonic acid, the multi-phase corrective serum visibly reduces the size and intensity of discoloration while improving the skin’s clarity for a brighter and more even-looking complexion.HOW TO USE SKINCEUTICALS DISCOLORATION DEFENSETwice a day, apply two to three drops of Discoloration Defense to the face. In the morning, follow up with a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen and limit your sun exposure. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place.WHO SHOULD USE SKINCEUTICALS DISCOLORATION DEFENSEA 12-week study, twice-daily application of Discoloration Defense showed a significant reduction in the look of discoloration, melasma, and an uneven skin tone. If these are your concerns, Discoloration Defense may be right for you!SKINCEUTICALS DISCOLORATION DEFENSE REVIEWI’ve been using SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense on my skin for the past two weeks and notice brighter-looking skin as well as a reduced appearance of UV ray-induced dark spots. The formula itself is fast-absorbing and non-greasy, making it comfortable enough to wear under makeup in the morning and before bed in the evening. Whether you’re dealing with visible discoloration or simply want to give your skin a boost of radiance, this serum is worth trying!SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, $98 MSRP