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 structure and function to beauty treatments.

1.1 Identify relevant principles of skin biology and apply to beauty treatments according to relevant legislation  and workplace policies and procedures .

1.2 Identify anatomical structure of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.

1.3 Identify main functions and roles of the skin. 

1.4 Identify structure, function, distribution and development of the glands of the skin .

1.5 Identify skin colour and reaction to light  and relate to beauty treatments.

1.6 Identify role of the skin in homeostasis and thermoregulation.

1.7 Identify process of primary and secondary melanisation.

1.8 Identify process of primary and secondary erythema.

1.9 Identify role of the skin as a sense organ  and the importance of variations in sensory perception in a range of beauty treatments.

2 Apply knowledge of the structure and function of hair to beauty treatments.

2.1 Identify protective role of hair and gross structural features of the pilobaceous unit .

2.2 Identify structural and cellular features of hair and hair follicles .

2.3 Identify process of hair growth and the hair growth cycle , and how they relate to beauty treatments.

2.4 Recognise effects of beauty treatments  on hair and relate these to beauty treatments.

3 Promote skin health and care.

3.1 Apply knowledge of skin biology to planning and performance of beauty treatments to maximise promotion of skin health and care.

3.2 Apply knowledge of environmental damage to skin to advise clients and minimise skin changes.

3.3 Minimise damage to skin when performing beauty treatments particularly in regard to hair removal and skin or hair colouration.

3.4 Apply relevant principles of skin biology in provision of skin care and service 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
• identify client characteristics and recommend services

• literacy skills to source, read and apply relevant information on skin biology
• communication skills to respond to questions and provide information, advice and reassurance to clients on skin care and beauty services.

Required knowledge 

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

• provision of relevant health and hygiene regulations and requirements and skin penetration legislation
• relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements
• principles of skin biology as they relate to beauty treatments
• workplace policies and procedures in regard to beauty treatments
• skin biology in relation to beauty treatments and procedures
• effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser hair removal on the skin.

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 knowledge of:

• main functions and role of skin
• structure, function, distribution and development of glands of skin
• skin colour and reaction to light and implications for beauty industry
• role of the skin in homeostasis and thermoregulation

• applying a range of beauty 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
• relevant workplace documentation including:

• manufacturer's equipment instructions
• product instructions
• manufacturer safety data sheets
• workplace policies and procedures manuals, including workplace services and prices

• a range of clients with different skin and hair characteristics and treatment requirements.

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 the workplace or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

• applying principles of skin biology in client analysis
• completing client skin analysis and treatment plans
• providing skin treatment and care advice for a range of beauty treatments

• third-party reports from technical experts
• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of composition and structure of normal skin
• completion self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from the trainer or supervisor.

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

• SIBBBOS401A Perform body massage
• SIBBBOS402A Provide body treatments
• SIBBBOS403A Perform aromatherapy massage
• SIBBCCS405A Develop treatment plans
• SIBBFAS302A Provide lash and brow treatments
• SIBBFAS404A Provide facial treatments
• SIBBFAS405A Provide advanced 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
• safety guidelines
• comfort and privacy
• designated time frames for completion of the service.

Main functions and role of the skin  must include:

• integumentary system
• relevant skin surface anatomy
• major epidermal appendages and dermal structures
• major cells of epidermis
• role of vascular, connective and nervous tissue in dermis.

Structure , function , distribution and development of the glands of the skin  must include:

• production, composition and functions of sebum
• production, composition and functions of eccrine and apocrine sweat fluids
• control of sweat and sebaceous gland activity.

Skin colour and reaction to light  must include:

• main factors contributing to skin colour
• origin, structure and location of melanocytes and keratinocytes
• optical properties of skin in relation to reflection, transmission and absorption of light
• relationship between skin type, minimal erythermal dose, skin protection factor and sunscreen use
• normal responses of keratinocytes to ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB)
• normal responses of melanocytes to ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB)
• Fitzpatrick scale.

Role of skin as a sense organ  must include:

• stimuli and receptors
• process of nerve conduction
• types of receptors
• systems and pathways of sensory and motor neuronal conduction
• variations in sensory perception and their importance in a range of beauty treatments.

Gross structural features of the pilobaceous unit  must include:

• structural and cellular features of hair follicle
• sebaceous glands
• arector pili muscle.

Structural and cellular features of hair and hair follicles  must include:

• hair shaft
• layers of hair
• hair root and follicle.

Process of hair growth and the hair growth cycle  must include:

• process of hair growth
• hair growth cycle
• anagen (growth phase)
• catagen (transitional stage)
• telogen (resting phase)
• influences on hair growth rate.

Effects of beauty treatments  may include:

• hair reduction treatments:

• epilation
• depilation

• perming.

Provision of skin care and service advice  may include:

• lifestyle changes:

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

• product advice
• advice on further services.