Unit of competency details

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 Apply knowledge of skin science to beauty therapy treatments.

1.1 Identify and apply relevant principles of skin science to the design and performance of beauty therapy treatments according to relevant legislation  and workplace policies and procedures. 

1.2 Identify growth, development, ageing and healing  of human skin, including changes over time, and note their relevance to the beauty therapy treatments.

1.3 Identify inheritance or genetics of physical traits and conditions  that affect beauty therapy treatments and relate these to the design and performance of the treatments.

1.4 Relate function, formation and behaviour of major skin chemicals  and role of the endocrine glands and hormones  to the design and performance of beauty therapy treatments.

1.5 Relate role and importance of percutaneous absorption  in a range of beauty therapy treatments.

2 Apply knowledge of skin disorders to beauty therapy treatments.

2.1 Identify development, causes and common sites, including typical symptoms and commonly used medical terminology, for a range of skin disorders and diseases  and relate to the beauty therapy treatments.

2.2 Identify contagious disorders  and their potential for cross-infection and perform services according to workplace policies and legal requirements.

2.3 Discuss typical medical treatments and side effects for a range of skin disorders and diseases with client as required.

2.4 Recognise role and limitations of beauty therapy in managing a range of skin disorders and diseases and conduct services and treatments according to workplace policies and legal requirements.

2.5 Identify contraindications to treatments  as they relate to client health and treatment outcomes, and provide advice or referral to appropriate professionals  where indicated by client analysis.

3 Promote skin health and care.

3.1 Apply knowledge of skin science to beauty therapy treatments to maximise promotion of skin health and care.

3.2 Identify beneficial treatments provided by beauty therapists for a range of skin disorders and diseases and apply this knowledge in the design and performance of beauty therapy treatments.

3.3 Apply the relevant principles of skin science in the provision of post-treatment and home-care advice. 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

• technical skills to:

• respond to possible skin damage situations
• apply knowledge of skin science to the design and performance of beauty therapy treatments

• literacy skills to source, read, comprehend and apply relevant information on skin science and skin disorders
• communication skills to:

• translate information on skin science and skin disorders when providing advice
• respond to questions and provide information and reassurance to clients on beauty therapy services.

Required knowledge 

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

• main functions and role of the skin
• growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin
• inheritance of physical traits
• function, formation and behaviour of major skin chemicals
• role of endocrine glands and hormones in the body
• percutaneous absorption
• contagious and non-contagious skin disorders
• provision of post-treatment service and advice.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• applying principles of skin science and skin disorders as they relate to beauty therapy treatments, including:

• main functions and role of skin
• growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin
• inheritance of physical traits
• function, formation and behaviour of major skin chemicals
• role of endocrine glands and hormones in body
• percutaneous absorption
• skin disorders

• designing and applying a range of beauty therapy treatments, using a variety of techniques and procedures involving skin care
• accurately and legibly recording relevant data.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines
• that competency is demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace.

Assessment must ensure access to:

• text and online resources
• skin treatment products from a professional beauty services range
• relevant workplace documentation including:

• manufacturer's equipment instructions
• product instructions
• manufacturer safety data sheets
• workplace policies and procedures manuals

• a range of clients with common skin disorders seeking beauty treatments.

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Methods of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of learners performing a range of tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

• identifying principles of skin science and disorders and developing and maintaining safe work practices
• relating design and performance of a variety of treatment processes to principles of skin science and disorders, according to client and safety requirements

• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of beauty therapy treatments using electrical equipment, including post-treatment advice and relevant legislation
• completion of workplace documentation relevant to beauty therapy treatments
• third-party reports from technical experts
• completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SIBBBOS402A Provide body treatments
• SIBBCCS301A Apply the principles of skin biology to beauty treatments
• SIBBCCS405A Develop treatment plans
• SIBBFAS404A Provide facial treatments.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• federal, state or territory, and local health and hygiene regulations
• occupational health and safety.

Workplace policies and procedures  may include:

• health and hygiene
• comfort and privacy
• designated time frames for the completion of the service
• quality assurance.

Growth , development , ageing and healing  of human skin must include:

• cell division and differentiation
• growth of epidermis
• mitosis
• changes in the skin from foetus to old age
• theories about ageing
• normal ageing and photo ageing
• wound healing and stages in wound healing.

Inheritance or genetics of physical traits and conditions  must include:

• gene theory of inheritance
• dominant and recessive genes
• inherited skin disorders
• acne
• eczema and atopic dermatitis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• pigmentation disorders
• hair disorders.

Major skin chemicals  must include:

• proteins:

• soluble
• insoluble
• collagen
• elastin
• keratin

• lipids
• glycosaminoglycans.

Role of the endocrine glands and hormones  may include:

• sebaceous gland secretion
• sweat secretion
• sense reception
• growth and healing
• hair growth and loss
• pigmentation
• menstrual cycle
• age-related hormonal change and skin
• effect of drugs and hormones on skin physiology.

Percutaneous absorption  must include:

• skin surface chemistry
• skin and the percutaneous absorption process
• absorption pathways
• rates of penetration
• measuring percutaneous absorption
• bioavailability and biological activity.

Range of skin disorders and diseases  may include:

• acne:

• Agiminata
• Chloracne
• Conglobata
• excoriated
• exogenous or cosmetic
• Fulminians
• Indurata
• infantile
• occupational
• Papulosa
• Rosacea
• Vulgaris

• benign neoplasms and hyperplasias:

• epithelial
• seborrheic keratosis or sebaceous warts
• milium
• naevi, melanocytic or vascular
• strawberry mole
• port wine stain
• skin tag
• syringoma

• dermatitis or eczema:

• allergic contact
• Atopic
• Discoid or Nummular
• Lichen Simplex
• Periorial
• Pigmented Purpuric
• Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Stasis
• Winter or Asteatotic

• Icthyosis
• Lupus Erythematosis
• pigmentation disorders:

• Vitiligio
• Chloasma or Melasma

• Psoriasis:

• Vulgaris
• Guttate
• Arthropathic
• of the nails

• Scleroderma
• skin tumours
• Urticaria:

• cold
• contact
• pressure

• hair disorders:

• Alopecia Areata
• diffuse hair loss
• Hypertrichosis
• hirsutism
• Pattern Alopecia
• post-childbirth hair loss
• menopausal hair loss
• Telogen Effluvium
• Traction Alopecea.

Contagious disorders  may include:

• bacterial infections:

• cellulitis
• folliculitis
• impetigo
• furuncles

• viral infections:

• herpes simplex
• herpes zoster
• varicella
• viral warts
• molluscum contagiosum

• fungal infections:

• pityriasis versicolor
• candidiasis
• Tinea Pedis
• Tinea Unguium

• disease caused by animal parasites:

• fleas, lice and bedbugs
• papular urticaria mites and ticks
• parasitic worms.

Contraindications to treatments  must include:

• local and general contraindications:

• skin disorders or diseases
• allergic reactions
• bruising or swelling
• areas exhibiting loss of tactile sensation
• cuts or abrasions
• recent operations
• areas of recent fractures of sprains
• diabetes
• blood disorders and diseases

• contraindications of products used in combination or with other services.

Appropriate professionals  may include:

• medical practitioner
• complementary therapist.

Provision of post -treatment and home -care advice  may include:

• lifestyle changes:

• sun protection
• skin care
• effects of nutrition on skin and hair

• product advice
• advice on further services.