Turned My Test Into Testimony, My Trial Into Triumph.

So, I think I'm ready to share my testimony now. Before we begin, I'd like to apologize in advance to those of you that may or may have been eating prior to seeing these photos! Never in a million years did I think that I'd post these photos onto the internet, but hey ....

A little background on me .... As some of you may know, I'm Courtney Rankins - the founder of Lani Bryn Essentials. I'm 22 & it seems like I've had every single skin condition there is! Okay, not really all of them but I've struggled with troubled skin since I've been an infant. I was the kid that had to bathe in oatmeal for multiple reasons. When it comes to eczema, acne, rashes, ringworms, dry/sensitive skin .... I've had it all.

You're probably wondering what's going on in the photos above. You're probably thinking "EWW, WHAT IS THAT?!" It's okay because those were my thoughts exactly. Well, those are photos of MY face & neck from the past couple months - Aug 2018 until recently. By the Grace of God, things have gotten much better. Basically, I've tried sooooo many different skincare products .. from over the counter products to "dermatologist recommended" products. I've tried products ranging from $10 to $400, I kid you not! NOTHING SEEMED TO WORK. I'd go to the dermatologist, but everyone knows that their philosophy is "if it's wet, make it dry .. if it's dry, make it wet ... if that doesn't work, use steroids." The dermatologist prescribed me with two medications for my skin - Epiduo and Clindamycin lotion. Very expensive medications so I figured they'd at least work! I'd been using these two products since my freshman year of college - 2014. You'd think that my skin would be flawless after 4 years right? WRONG.

Epiduo contains an ingredient called Benzoyl Peroxide which has serious effects on the skin. I didn't know that though! Every time I'd apply the product, my skin would burn like crazy. It would become red & inflamed. My skin felt like it was RAW! Also, I had no idea that it would burn like crazy & I'd get a horrible sunburn once I went out into the sun after applying this product. There were plenty of nights that I'd cry myself to sleep because my face was on FIRE because of this product. I consulted with the dermatologist and was told that "things get worse before they get better." So, I kept using it because I honestly felt like it was my only option. There were days that I'd have to apply makeup just to cover up how horrible my skin looked - but the makeup didn't hide that. I'd walk around with my head down, hoping and praying that no one would look at me. It was just that bad.

Well, over the summer of 2018 - I woke up and my face was dry, scaly and peeling (as pictured above). I must've been having some sort of adverse reaction to the products, but nothing in my skincare routine had changed. IMAGINE WAKING UP TO THAT ON YOUR FACE!!!! Just freaking imagine. Now this was an all time low for me. I'd wash my face to remove all of the dry skin, then I'd apply makeup to attempt to cover up each flaw. Unfortunately, my makeup doesn't stay on all day so I had to constantly check my face because it was likely to become dry & scaly again at any given moment throughout the day. 

So, I went to the doctor again. The doctor didn't bother to hear anything I had to say about what's been going on with my skin. I was told to get Hydrocortisone cream to "stop the itching." What about this lecture makes anyone think that this post is about ITCHING? At this point, I was livid! I needed something to CLEAR MY SKIN, REMOVE THOSE DARK SPOTS, & STOP IT FROM BEING RED & INFLAMED!

I felt sort of hopeless. It was embarrassing, to say the least.

So, one day I decided to do my research. My skin wasn't getting better so I started researching natural remedies. I learned that organic carrier oils, herbs and unrefined essentials oils have serious natural healing abilities & just started ordering different oils online. I started with about three different oils, because natural products can be sort of expensive.

I did TONS of research on which oils would work for my type of skin conditions & I formulated my very first skincare product - an organic facial serum which is now known as "Saving Face." I created it with 100% natural, nourishing ingredients & oils such as jojoba oil, moringa oil, lavender essential oil, and many more.

So, I'm one of those females that absolutely HATE applying makeup but will do it daily because I feel as if I have to. At this point, however, I was only trying to clear my skin. If that meant letting the world see how horrible my skin was .... so be it. The decision to go in public like that was UNLIKE ME. After having my self-esteem below the ground, I was honestly tired of it. I stopped wearing makeup for the time being & completely stopped using everything that I'd been using from my normal skincare routine & started using my serum.

Believe me when I say that I REGRET NOTHING. Getting into the organic + cruelty free skincare lifestyle is the BEST decision I've ever made. I started noticing a difference with my skin in a few weeks. The serum has brightened my skin, I do feel as if I'm GLOWING! My dark spots aren't all that dark anymore. It's less red & inflamed! My skincare products have done more for me in 3 MONTHS than the "dermatologist recommended" products that I'd been using for YEARS. The natural way is the BEST way!

One more thing, lots of people come to me saying that they're "hesitant" to try my products because they have sensitive skin. I understand because I have extremely sensitive skin also. However, all of my ingredients are plant based. No toxic chemicals, just plants. Okay, so what about fragrances? I do not add any synthetic fragrances to any of my products. The smell of my serum or soap bars comes directly from the organic oils that are used. Don't worry, my goal isn't to hurt you. It's to help US!

I think it's time to wrap it up now .....

My skin may not be FLAWLESS & 100% clear, but it looks and feels MUCH BETTER now that I'm using my homemade natural products. Don't get me wrong, I still have breakouts but it's a learning process. I'm still formulating products and trying new things before I market them.

For everyone that's reading this, I hope you choose an alternative to mainstream skincare -- which is the natural way. I'm not saying that you have to use MY products, but I'd definitely suggest using products that are pure, natural & organic. You'll feel much better! Also, be AWARE OF WHAT'S IN YOUR PRODUCTS!!!! If you can't pronounce it, then you shouldn't be using it. I've done my research and I know that lots of mainstream skincare products contain ingredients that may be linked to cancer, irritable to the skin, etc. 

I'd like to thank Lani Bryn's "Saving Face" facial serum for being my holy grail skincare product and literally being my saving grace! Stay with me on my journey to clear skin! Be sure to check out my entire skincare routine on the website -- "the Natural Way" Bundle!