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Meet the makers: Denise O’Connell, founder of My Skin Integrity
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“My USP is to help cancer patients feel comfortable in their own skin.”
For over twenty years, Denise O’Connell ran a clinic in Kilkenny, offering aromatherapy, reflexology and massage therapy to clients. But in 2003, her world changed when she lost a young friend to leukaemia. “This had a profound effect on me, both personally and professionally. I spent the next number of years upskilling in the area of clinical aromatherapy, after seeing first-hand the effects cancer has on a person.”
Her research led her to create My Skin Integrity, a bespoke, natural skincare brand designed for cancer patients, who are often facing a range of skin issues. She also co-founded Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny. “Our skin is on view to the world, and the impact of dealing with skin issues during and after cancer treatment can be gruelling. Patients have to deal with itching, scars, pain, and emotional overwhelm.”
We sit down with Denise to learn more about her brand as well as the unique and important support it provides to those with cancer.
What type of skincare products do you produce?
I have been working with essential oils since 1997 and formulating products since 2011. Now, I focus on creating bespoke natural skincare and well-being products for cancer patients at all stages of treatment. They are not an alternative to conventional treatment but complement and support the patient.
What would you say is the USP (unique selling point) of your product range?
My USP is helping cancer patients to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Could you talk us through the stages of production?
When I receive a customer request, usually with a specific skin issue, I will look at their medical history, any allergies, previous skin reactions, and what the customer hopes to achieve (e.g. reduce itching, minimise the appearance of a scar).
Next, I will look at my extensive collection of plant-based botanical ingredients like carrier oils, butters, essential oils, infused herbal oils and CO2 extracts, to see what formulation can offer the most optimal, safe and soothing result for the customer.
Then I decide on the base substance (e.g. gel, cream, serum or balm), and make a small jar for the customer to try. If they are happy with the formulation I can make a larger batch.
What is your favourite product in the range, and what is your bestseller?
My favourite product is my hero product, the SOS Serum. It was formulated for women after mastectomies. It’s a rich emollient serum, with organic cold-pressed oils like hazelnut, tamanu and rosehip, and infused with botanical extracts from helichrysum, lavender and neroli, which is soothing and supportive to the skin after surgery.
The best-selling product in the shop is the Ultra Nourish Facial Balm which doubles as a cleansing and a moisturising balm. It’s soothing, protective and helps prevent transepidermal water loss through the skin. It’s rich in sweet almond oil, cocoa butter and Vitamin E. Under make-up, it gives a dewy effect to the skin.
Where do you source your ingredients from?
Over the years I have built relationships with trusted distillers and producers. My organic shea butter and cocoa butter come from a Fair Trade Women’s co-op in the North West of Ghana, whom I am very proud to support directly. Most of my essential oils and carrier oils come from organic or wild-crafted suppliers in Italy, France and Germany.
What’s your typical working week like?
My workshop is in the iconic Castle Yard (home of Kilkenny Design Workshops, established 60 years ago to support craft and design in Ireland) in the shadow of Kilkenny Castle. We are a collective of independent artisan crafters, and get a lot of tourists coming through who love to watch us through the window as we make our products.
I work from Tuesday to Saturday and will make a variety of products like cold process soap, hand creams, and lip and body balms in small batches. The day is broken up with tour groups calling in, or customers with specific needs looking for products in person or online.
I do all of my own admin, ordering raw materials, infusing herbs in oil, making products, shipping orders etc. I also offer workshops where you can learn to make cold process soap or custom skin care products over a half day.
What is your favourite part of what you do?
My favourite part of my work is customer feedback when I have helped resolve a skin issue – the confidence and sense of ease it gives to that person can’t be quantified.
What does ‘Champion Green’ mean to you?
Champion Green is the future for all artisan crafters in Ireland. We see it every day with the tourists who come to The Castle Yard from all over the world – they want to meet the maker, see their working process, and buy a genuine memento of their visit to Ireland.
We pride ourselves on using ancient techniques, which have stood the test of time (soap making has been around since 2800 BC), and providing beautiful, unique handmade gifts and products.
What’s next?
Next up for My Skin Integrity is planning some workshops around menopausal skin, and some new products for extra-sensitive skin.
Where and how can people buy your products?
People can pop into the workshop in The Castle Yard, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm (or by appointment). They are also online at myskin.ie I can be contacted at info@myskin.ie for queries about customised products or workshops.
Photography by MDA Productions
“Meet the Makers” is brought to you in partnership with Champion Green. Champion Green is the biggest #SupportLocal movement in a generation, encouraging the people of Ireland to seek local where possible and shop consciously online to keep our towns and communities vibrant for years to come. Champion Green is supported by Kilkenny Design and Visa, in association with Retail Excellence, Small Firms Association, Chambers Ireland, Maxol and AIB Merchant Services. Learn more at championgreen.ie.
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