Feeling ugly and worthless from skin conditions that left her skin cracked, peeling and scarred, Katrina Schenfield, the founder of Culver City-based Katixon Skincare, dealt with it the only way she thought she could - by attempting suicide.

“I was exhausted,” says Schenfield. My skin was disgusting, and nothing the doctors were trying was working.”

Since those dark days, she has developed and sold skincare products that detox and beautify the skin using only natural ingredients. But her company’s website reveals not just Schenfield’s products but also her calling: to keep cancer patients’ skin strong and healthy during cancer treatment by giving them free skincare products.

“I know what it’s like to feel powerless when your skin is being destroyed and you’re hopeless to stop it. I also know what it’s like to watch a loved one become ill and not know how to support them during that time,” says Schenfield.

As she travels around the country to speak to teenagers, women and healthy living groups, Schenfield says she has been overwhelmed by the many similar stories she hears  – especially in places like her upcoming ‘Teen Glam’ class ("The perfect class to help teens get control of their skin," she says).

Schenfield is not sure how long she will be able to continue this free skincare program – since she is creating and paying for all ‘Love Purely Cancer Kits’ personally. But she says she will try to keep going as long as she possibly can.

You can help support Schenfield’s mission by shopping Katixon Skincare products and by purchasing products from a company that is making a difference.