About Gráinne Callaghan Long
Founder, River Skincare | Skincare Specialist | Advanced Facialist | Skin Health Educator & Beauty Industry Consultant
BA (Hons) | CIDESCO | ITEC | CIBTAC | Level 9 Professional Certificate in Skin & Hair Follicle Science, UCD School of Medicine
Gráinne Callaghan Long is the founder of River Skincare, an independent skincare specialist, advanced facialist, educator and beauty industry consultant with 15 years of experience in advanced skincare, skin health, professional education and corrective treatment planning.
Her qualifications include a Level 9 Professional Certificate in Skin & Hair Follicle Science from the Charles Institute of Dermatology, UCD School of Medicine, alongside internationally recognised CIDESCO, ITEC and CIBTAC qualifications. Having trained with more than 43 professional skincare brands, Gráinne brings extensive knowledge of cosmetic science, ingredients, formulations and advanced skin technologies to her work.
Independent, Expert Skincare Advice
Through River Skincare, Gráinne provides independent virtual skin consultations, personalised skincare plans and expert treatment guidance, helping clients navigate concerns including acne, rosacea, pigmentation, sensitivity, skin barrier damage, hormonal skin changes and ageing skin.
Unlike brand-led consultations, her recommendations are not restricted to any particular product range or treatment. Every plan is informed by skin science, professional experience and the individual client's needs, lifestyle and budget.
Gráinne also provides inclusive, gender-affirming skincare support for transgender and gender-diverse clients, offering guidance on skin changes during transition and beyond, including hormone-related acne, sensitivity, facial hair removal and changes in skin texture.
Her advanced treatment knowledge includes microneedling, chemical peels, laser, BBL, Moxi, LED and other light-based technologies, with a focus on safe, evidence-informed treatment planning.
Education, Consultancy & Industry Experience
Alongside her clinical skincare expertise, Gráinne works with Image Skillnet, supporting professional education, training and skills development across Ireland's beauty, hair and spa industries.
Her industry contributions include involvement in the development of the Level 6 Skin & Hair Follicle Science programme with UCD's Charles Institute of Dermatology, the national Beauty Therapy Apprenticeship, and professional skincare education and product development for a leading Irish skincare brand.
A former CIDESCO and beauty therapy tutor, Gráinne has also shared her expertise through The Elaine Show, The Irish Independent, Q102 and Midlands 103, as well as podcasts, interviews and skincare education masterclasses.
The River Skincare Approach
Gráinne believes that good skincare should be based on science, not trends, marketing or expensive products that may not suit your skin.
Her goal is simple: to take the confusion out of skincare and provide honest, knowledgeable, personalised advice that delivers meaningful, long-term results.