Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide facial treatments to meet client needs.
It requires the ability to establish priorities with clients, synthesise knowledge of anatomy and physiology, skin science, cosmetic chemistry and nutrition, and to design and provide facial routines and advice on products and protection of facial skin. Facials can be a single treatment or form part of a series of treatments.
The unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons and spas. In this environment they are part of a team but make independent treatment decisions.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish client priorities. | 1.1 Access and review client treatment plan if available. 1.2 Discuss facial requirements, changes in skin over lifetime, current skin care regimen, lifestyle and nutrition influences with client to establish treatment objectives. 1.3 Conduct skin analysis, assessing areas of normal facial skin, levels of lipids and skin hydration, degree of photo aging and pigmentation and scar tissue as required. 1.4 Classify client skin and discuss outcomes with client. 1.5 Identify contraindications to facial treatment, and refer client to appropriate professional as required. 1.6 Identify common disorders that can be treated within scope of practice, as required. 1.7 Establish medical history, medication, and obtain medical approval prior to treatment, as required. |
2. Design and recommend facials. | 2.1 Design proposed facial to achieve client objectives. 2.2 Discuss benefits and potential adverse effects with client. 2.3 Explain recommendations for duration, frequency and cost of facial to client. 2.4 Modify treatment plan, record updates and obtain client consent. |
3. Prepare for facial treatment. | 3.1 Check readiness of treatment area and availability of equipment. 3.2 Prepare facial treatment products and equipment. 3.3 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process. |
4. Cleanse skin. | 4.1 Remove make-up and cleanse skin according to treatment plan. 4.2 Steam and exfoliate according to treatment plan. 4.3 Extract milia and comedones and apply antiseptic products as required. |
5. Provide facial massage. | 5.1 Apply massage medium to face, neck, décolletage and shoulders. 5.2 Apply massage movements and adapt massage length and movements to suit elasticity of the skin, subcutaneous fat, and client needs. 5.3 Monitor client reactions and adjust massage techniques if required. |
6. Apply specialised products. | 6.1 Apply and remove mask according to treatment plan and manufacturer recommendations. 6.2 Apply post treatment skin care products according to treatment plan and manufacturer recommendations. 6.3 Allow post treatment recovery time in a relaxing environment. |
7. Review facial. | 7.1 Evaluate facial treatment with client. 7.2 Record outcomes of treatment on client treatment plan. 7.3 Manage client expectations of potential outcomes. 7.4 Update treatment plan and rebook client as required. |
8. Provide post treatment skin care recommendations. | 8.1 Assess effectiveness current skin care regimen and products of client. 8.2 Discuss effects of sun and environment on skin and recommend strategies and products to minimise damage. 8.3 Promote healthy nutrition options and discuss effect of adequate nutrition on skin. 8.4 Select, recommend and sell to client a skin care regimen and products based on client requirements. 8.5 Identify contraindicated ingredients for clients as required. |
9. Clean treatment area. | 9.1 Remove used linen and clean surfaces and equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 9.2 Restock equipment and products in preparation for next treatment. 9.3 Dispose of general waste to minimise negative environmental impacts according to organisational policies and procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
communicate, follow and adjust treatment plans to provide six safe and appropriate facial treatments to clients with the following skin types and conditions:
dry/alipid/lipid
oily/lipid
diffused red
mature skin
mild acne
erythema
design a series of four treatments and product recommendations for three of these clients to address client priorities
recognise contraindications, skin diseases and disorders relevant to facials and products as listed in the Knowledge Evidence
explain to each client as appropriate the development of skin conditions and the benefits and limitations of facial treatments available for:
acne
rosacea
comedones, open and closed
pigmented skin
photoaged skin
scars
provide facial treatments to each of the following areas as appropriate to the above clients:
back of neck
face
décolletage
neck
shoulders
design and provide facial treatments that demonstrate the following treatment steps and techniques:
client skin analysis
skin cleansing
skin steaming:
towel
steamer
exfoliation:
manual or brush machine
product
facial massage movements:
effleurage
petrissage
tapotement
vibration
application and removal of facial mask
application of facial finishing products
vary repetition, rhythm and variation of massage movements to adapt to client needs
remove minor skin blemishes:
milia
comedones
design, record and maintain treatment plans and records for each client specifying the following details:
client feedback
contraindications and conditions
facial treatment provided and products used
outcomes of previous and current treatment
post treatment lifestyle and product advice
recommended future treatments
relevant medical history and medications
treatment duration, areas treated and not treated
treatment objectives
present self, according to organisational policy
comply with health and hygiene regulations and requirements
clean, prepare and maintain treatment area according to organisational policy.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
federal, state or territory and local health, hygiene and skin penetration regulations and requirements relevant to facial treatments
organisational policies and procedures relevant to facial treatments:
client record management
equipment use and maintenance
incident reporting
linen use and laundry procedures
personal hygiene and presentation
presentation of treatment area
waste and disposal
work health and safety
legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities regarding treatments
scope of practice:
when to refer clients to other practitioners
importance of not stating a diagnosis of a contraindication or conditions
limitations of facial treatments
role of complementary therapist and medical practitioner
factors likely to affect suitability of treatment for client:
budgetary and time constraints
outcomes of previous treatment
client skin biology
client willingness to follow home care advice
effects and benefits of two comprehensive and professional skin care ranges:
role in each step of a facial treatment
benefits to skin
effect of ingredients on skin
effects and benefits of each stage of facial on the physical structure of the skin:
cleansing
exfoliation
extractions
mask
massage
steaming
position and action of superficial muscles in the face, throat and chest
interdependence of body systems and their relationship to a healthy body and skin:
skeletal, muscular and nervous systems and relationship to the face and neck
nervous system and its relationship to skin sensations
lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems and their relationship to skin functions, thermoregulation and homeostasis
endocrine and reproductive systems in relationship to hormonal influences on skin:
age related changes
effect of hormones on skin
hair growth and loss
menstrual cycle skin changes
pigmentation
sebaceous and sweat gland secretion
basic nutrition guidelines and relationship between nutrition and healthy skin
foods which may have an effect on the skin or are contraindicated when using specific products
skin anatomy:
gross and microscopic
epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous
differences depending on location
function and role of skin:
as the integumentary system
epidermal cells
epidermal appendages and dermal structures
homeostasis
protection
role in skin of tissues:
connective
nervous
vascular
sensation
thermoregulation
vitamin D production
structure and distribution of skin glands
production, composition, functions and control of skin gland secretions:
sebum
eccrine and apocrine sweat fluids
appearance and characteristics of skin types:
dry/alipid/lipid dry
oily/lipid
diffused red
normal body flora
electromagnetic spectrum and effect of light on skin
physiological basis of skin colour:
factors that contribute to skin colour
structure and location of melanocytes and keratinocytes and responses to ultraviolet radiation
relationship between skin type, minimal erythemal dose, skin protection factor and sunscreen use
Fitzpatrick skin types
skin as a sense organ:
process of nerve conduction
stimuli and skin receptors
systems and pathways of sensory and motor neuronal conduction
types of receptors
variations in sensory perception and their significance to facials
function, formation and behaviour of major skin chemicals:
complex fatty acids
complex lipids:
phospholipids
sphingolipids
glycosaminoglycans
lipids:
saponifiable
non-saponifiable
proteins:
soluble
insoluble
collagen
elastin
keratin
growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin:
cell division and differentiation
growth of epidermis
normal ageing and photoageing
stages in wound healing
theories about ageing
wound healing:
hypertrophic
keloid
origin and evolution of scars
normal skin responses to irritation and trauma
skin conditions:
acne
eczema and atopic dermatitis
hair disorders
pigmentation disorders
vascular disorders
seborrheic dermatitis
trans-epidermal water loss
differences between therapeutic, cosmetic and ‘cosmeceutical’ products
concepts of cosmetic chemistry
formulation, function and action of cosmetic emulsions and ingredients:
anti-oxidants
emollients
humectants
moisturisers
occuldents
formulation, function and action cosmetic ingredients:
liposome types, structures and uses
oils
surfactants
thickeners
waxes
chemical formulations of facial products:
exfoliants
face masks
peels
contraindications to specific cosmetic formulations and ingredients identified in product information
contraindications which prevent facial treatment or require clearance from a medical professional to proceed and their relationship to facials:
bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
cancer
clients with symptoms of infectious disease
pigmented lesions
recent cosmetic treatments such as injectables, intense pulsed light, laser, dermabrasion
undiagnosed lumps
contraindications which restrict treatment and appropriate modifications to treatment:
allergies
areas exhibiting loss of tactile sensation
dysfunction of the nervous system
inflammations and swellings
medications that cause thinning or inflammation of the skin
skin trauma
recent scar tissue
appearance, possible medical treatments and limitations of facial treatments on skin conditions, diseases and disorders:
acne
closed comedones/milia
couperose
dehydration/trans epidermal water loss
dermatitis and eczema
erythema
icthyosis
lupus erythematosus
mature
photoaged
pigmentation disorders
open comedones
scleroderma
seborrhoea
sensitive/diffused red skin
skin tumours
uticaria
physiology of adverse reactions to facial treatments and products and appropriate remedial action:
allergic reactions
erythema/skin inflammation
normal skin responses to irritation and trauma
skin blemishes
skin inflammation
lifestyle factors and benefits of lifestyle changes on skin:
alcohol consumption
climate
exercise routine
hobbies
nutrition
sleeping patterns
tobacco consumption
type of employment
sustainable operating procedures for the conservation of product, water and power
aftercare advice, products and future treatments to maintain client treatment objectives.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a beauty industry environment; this can be:
a beauty industry workplace or
a simulated beauty workplace set up for the purpose of skills assessment, that provides services to paying members of the public.
Assessment must ensure access to:
paying clients, both new and regular, with different facial treatment requirements, who have the expectation that the services provided reflect those of a commercial business
hand washing facilities:
basin
hot and cold running water
liquid soap
single use towels or hand dryer
relevant workplace documentation:
blank client records
organisational policies and procedures relevant to facial treatments
manufacturer instructions for equipment
safety data sheets for cleaning products and, where applicable, for treatment products
product manuals listing product ingredients, formulations, labelling and guidelines for use.
Assessment must ensure use of:
bowls
brushes for application of products
cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
client gowns and hair protectors
disposable facial wipes, microlances, spatulas, tissues
disposable gloves
equipment:
facial steamer
hot towel cabinet
magnifying lamp
Woods lamp
individual work station consisting of:
adjustable treatment table with safe working access to both sides and ends
individual electricity supply
operator chair
trolley for products, bowls and equipment
treatment products from two comprehensive professional skin care ranges
treatment towels or linen, or disposable linen.
Assessment activities that allow the individual to:
complete facial treatments within commercially realistic speed, timing and productivity
demonstrate competency in an environment reflective of real work situations
manage tasks and contingencies in the context of the job role.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors and:
hold a qualification as a beauty therapist
have worked as a beauty therapist for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
Skill | Description |
Reading skills to: | interpret and follow manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets for dilution, handling and disposal of cleaning and treatment products source and interpret credible information from: anatomy, physiology, skin science and cosmetic chemistry publications anatomical charts and models interpret product manuals on safe and effective use of cosmetic formulations and ingredients. |
Writing skills to: | record treatment using basic anatomy and physiology terminology to describe facial areas and anatomical positions. |
Oral communication skills to: | select and use appropriate anatomy and physiology terminology in consultation with clients provide simple explanations to client that describe the physiological processes of skin damage and how specialised facials, products and advice will impact on its appearance protect confidentiality of client information by ensuring that other clients and colleagues do not overhear discussions. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate treatment duration, sequencing, costs and pricing calculate cosmetic ingredient quantities and ratios to assess effectiveness of formulations. |
Learning skills to: | use knowledge of cosmetic chemistry ingredients to assess environmental impact and disposal methods. |
Planning and organising skills to: | sequence the treatment and products application to maximise the treatment outcomes. |
Technology skills to: | access credible online publications and resources that build knowledge for providing advice to clients use client software to update client notes, record stock data and product purchases. safely use and maintain electrical devices. |
Sectors
Beauty
Competency Field
Facial Services