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 Confirm treatment plan.

1.1 Access client’s treatment plan. 

1.2 Identify and note variations to the treatment plan .

1.3 Confirm treatment plan with client .

1.4 Identify and select products  and equipment  according to the treatment plan.

2 Manage facial treatment services.

2.1 Prepare self, service area, and client for treatment according to relevant legislation and codes  and workplace policies and procedures .

2.2 Select and sequence massage routine  according to client’s treatment plan.

2.3 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during treatment process to reduce negative environmental impacts.

2.4 Safely dispose of all waste to minimise negative environmental impacts according to workplace procedures.

3 Prepare the skin treatment area.

3.1 Cleanse and exfoliate treatment area  according to the treatment plan.

3.2 Perform skin steaming according to agreed treatment plan.

3.3 Treat minor skin conditions  according to workplace practice and treatment plan.

4 Treat prematurely aged skin.

4.1 Assess premature ageing of skin  and discuss possible causes  with client.

4.2 Apply massage routine according to agreed treatment plan.

4.3 Vary application of massage movements  to suit skin elasticity, skin condition, degree of subcutaneous fat and treatment plan.

4.4 Apply micro current treatment according to where indicated by treatment plan.

4.5 Apply direct current treatment  using a combination of serums. 

4.6 Select and apply high frequency treatment  where indicated in treatment plan.

4.7 Apply and remove soothing products  according to manufacturer instructions and treatment plan.

4.8 Vary length of treatment to suit client requirements and comfort level.

5 Treat red, flushed skin (erythema).

5.1 Apply treatment routine according to agreed treatment plan.

5.2 Vary application of massage movements in line with treatment plan to suit client requirements.

5.3 Select and apply direct current treatments and serums according to agreed treatment plan.

5.4 Apply post-treatment skin care according to agreed treatment plan.

5.5 Select, apply and remove soothing products according to manufacturer instructions and treatment plan.

5.6 Vary length of treatment to suit client requirements and comfort level.

6 Treat mature seborrhoea and/or acne.

6.1 Apply treatment routines combining different procedures according to agreed treatment plan.

6.2 Perform skin exfoliation and steaming according to agreed treatment plan.

6.3 Select and apply direct current treatments according to agreed treatment plan.

6.4 Select and apply high frequency treatment according to agreed treatment plan.

6.5 Apply micro currents according to agreed treatment plan.

6.6 Apply after-care treatment according to agreed treatment plan.

6.7 Select, apply and remove soothing products according to manufacturer instructions and treatment plan.

6.8 Vary length of treatment to suit client requirements.

7 Advise on further treatments.

7.1 Obtain client feedback  and amend treatment plan as required.

7.2 Note adverse effect s and explain to client.

7.3 Recommend future treatment program  according to client or specific treatment requirements.

7.4 Advise client regarding suitable home-care products  and appropriate lifestyle changes  as required.

7.5 Advise client of expected outcomes of future treatments.

7.6 Rebook client according to agreed treatment plan.

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 contraindications and adverse effects
• interpret treatment plans and identify and adjust to changes in client's condition
• identify the physical appearance of:

• various skin types
• normal skin
• abnormal skin conditions
• minor skin blemishes

• apply and remove products according to manufacturer instructions and treatment plans
• apply electrical currents to meet treatment plan

• communication skills to:

• seek feedback and respond to questions
• provide information and reassurance to client throughout the service

• literacy skills to read and apply relevant workplace documents and manufacturers' product information
• time-management skills to manage time throughout treatment.

Required knowledge 

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

• relevant health and hygiene regulations and skin penetration legislation
• relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements
• infection control procedures and application of universal precautions
• workplace policies and procedures in regard to advanced facial treatments
• workplace environmental controls for cleaning and disposing of waste product and equipment
• appearance of contraindications and adverse effects
• effects and benefits of a defined range of workplace skin care and facial treatment products
• factors likely to affect the suitability of each treatment to client needs and effects and benefits of each step in advanced facial treatments
• anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to beauty treatments, including:

• simplified cross-section of skin
• glands as they relate to basic skin function
• skin chemicals, including sebum and sweat production:

• normal and abnormal
• collagen
• elastin
• lipids

• phases of growth, cell renewal, healing of skin and factors affecting epidermal mitosis
• normal process of skin ageing and structural change
• physiological basis of skin colour
• electromagnetic spectrum and effect of light on skin
• normal skin response to irritation and trauma
• scars, including hypertrophic and keloid (their origin and evolution) and abnormal scar tissue
• effects of treatments on physical structure of skin
• trans-epidermal water loss
• wound healing in different skin types and locations
• percutaneous absorption and factors affecting penetration of cosmetics
• normal body flora

• body systems in regard to their interdependence and purpose in relation to a healthy body and their relationship to skin, muscles and nerves, including:

• skeletal and muscular system, including muscle contractility and motor points, position and action of superficial muscles of face, throat and chest
• nervous system and its relationship to skin sensations
• lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems and their relationship to skin function, including thermoregulation and homeostasis
• endocrine and reproductive systems in relationship to hormonal control of skin

• principles and properties of electricity as they relate to advanced facial treatments
• basic nutrition and the relationship between nutrition and healthy skin, particularly foods which may have an effect on skin or which may be contraindicated in combination with relevant skin conditions or products used in a treatment procedure
• cosmetic chemistry/ingredients in relevant treatment products, particularly in regard to:

• their likely effects on skin
• toxic effects of various substances and their contribution to premature ageing
• possible contraindications in combination with other products or circumstances

• operator's legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities in regard to services and use and preparation of treatment products
• causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to treatments.

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:

• interpreting a treatment plan and making any adjustments required by variations in the client's condition
• safely and effectively sequencing and applying a range of facial treatments, procedures, products and electrical equipment, as listed in the range statement and applied across a range of clients with different treatment needs
• selecting and applying a variety of treatment products, electrical equipment and massage mediums
• using time effectively and controlling product waste
• evaluating facial treatment and advising client on future treatments, home care and complementary products.

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:

• an environment, which includes as a minimum:

• individual client workstations
• adjustable facial couch with safe working access for operator and equipment
• magnifying lamp
• facial steamer or vapourzone
• direct high frequency
• micro current
• brush machine
• facial massage products from a professional range
• home-care treatments product range
• apprppriate supply of towels
• client gown or cover

• appropriate cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
• relevant workplace documentation including:

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

• a range of clients with different facial 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 a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

• preparing the client for facial treatment
• applying products and equipment to treat mature seborrhoea
• providing electrical post-treatment procedures

• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of facial treatment procedures, including the application of infection control, electrical safety and treatment routines
• completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing facial 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:

• SIBBCCS403A Recognise body structures and systems in a beauty therapy context
• SIBBCCS404A Work in a skin therapies framework
• SIBBCCS405A Develop treatment plans
• SIBBCCS407A Interpret the chemical composition and physical actions of cosmetic products
• SIBBCCS408A Promote healthy nutritional options in a beauty therapy context.

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.

Treatment plan  must include:

• required treatments
• outcomes of any previous treatments
• facial areas requiring special treatment
• routine and sequence of massage movements
• contraindications
• relevant medical history and medications
• products used
• tools and equipment
• duration and frequency of treatments
• after-care products and advice.

Variations to treatment plan  may include:

• changes in client's physical condition
• changes in client requirements.

Clients  may include:

• new or regular clients with routine or special needs
• female or male clients
• people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.

Products  may include:

• cleansers
• exfoliants:

• friction
• biological
• chemical

• setting masks
• non-setting masks
• specialised masks
• toning lotions
• moisturisers
• oils
• serums.

Equipment  must include:

• direct high frequency
• brush machine
• steamer or vapourzones
• magnifying lamp
• micro current
• galvanic.

Equipment  may include:

• indirect high frequency
• low level intensity laser
• neuromuscular electronic stimulator or low frequency
• woods light.

Relevant legislation and codes  may include:

• state or territory and local government health regulations
• state or territory Acts and local regulations relating to skin penetration
• occupational health and safety regulations
• industry codes of practice.

Workplace policies and procedures  may include:

• health and hygiene
• selection of face and skin care products
• performance of advanced facial treatments
• time frame allocated for service
• room temperature adjustment
• environmental protection practices, such as:

• waste minimisation
• recycling
• reuse
• energy efficiency, e.g. electricity saving devices and practices
• waste disposal
• resource management
• water efficiency.

Massage routine  must include:

• rhythm
• repetition
• variation.

Treatment area  may include:

• face
• décolletage
• back.

Minor skin conditions  may include:

• open comedones
• closed comedones
• milia.

Premature ageing of skin  may include:

• leathery, blotchy appearance
• extensive, deep wrinkling
• loss of elasticity
• thickened epidermis.

Possible causes  may include:

• sun damage
• diet
• environmental pollutants:

• tobacco
• alcohol

• climatic conditions
• lifestyle conditions.

Massage movements  must include:

• effleurage
• petrissage
• tapotement
• vibration.

Massage movements  may include:

• Dr Jacquet
• pressure points
• superficial lymph drainage.

Direct current treatments  must include:

• iontophoresis
• disincrustation.

Serums  may include:

• vasoconstrictive
• anti-inflammatory.

High frequency treatments  may include:

• direct
• indirect.

Soothing products  may include:

• masks
• oils.

Client feedback  may include:

• comments regarding level of satisfaction
• suggestions
• enquiries.

Adverse effects  may include:

• erythema or inflammatory reaction to skin care products or massage medium
• skin blemishes due to massage stimulation
• allergic reactions of the skin or body to treatments or products.

Future treatment program  may include:

• facial treatments
• diathermy.

Home -care products  may include:

• cleansers
• toners
• moisturisers
• remedial products
• sunscreens.

Lifestyle changes  may include:

• improved:

• diet
• alcohol consumption
• tobacco consumption
• sun protection.