For Canberra-born Elissa O’Keefe, Science Skincare has been a kernel of an idea for more than 40 years. After almost throwing in the towel when the pandemic hit, Elissa made a choice: with the unbelievable results they were achieving for problem skin, it would be unethical to stop. Today, Science Skincare is on the cusp of launching internationally, and showing the world what Australian botanical skincare is capable of.

Tell us about your career path. What led you to where you are now?

“I was the ACT’s first nurse practitioner in 2004. My career until then was based in plastic and general surgery and women’s health. I have always had a passion for skin and moved into the cosmetic dermatology area in 2010. There I got to hone my clinical skills and gain all the knowledge that has helped me develop Science Skincare (SSC).”

Tell us about your organisation and role within it.

“SSC is the brand for problem skin. Think acne, rosacea and sensitive skin. It is based on Australian botanicals, vitamins, peptides and is grounded in scientific evidence. It has easy-to-use systems that work. I am the MD and lead an amazing small team with similar values.”

Who inspires you?

“My daughter. She lives with a rare vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) called Cryoglobulinemia. It affects about one in 100,000 people. She is one of the strongest and most resilient women I have ever met.”

What inspired you to start this organisation?

“I have been on the hunt for effective skincare since I was 10 years old. I had the worst acne, and nothing ever worked. I have spent a fortune trying to control it and just as much fixing the scars. I wanted other people to never have to go through that. I also wanted to showcase Australian plants as skincare ingredients with proven results.”

To find out more about SSC, visit www.scienceskincare.com.au

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