Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide specialised facial treatments incorporating the use of ultrasonic, direct current, high frequency and micro current devices.
It requires the ability to establish priorities with clients and synthesise knowledge of skin, performance of electrical machines and allied cosmetic products, and to design and provide treatments to address specific skin types and conditions. Not all equipment is used in each specialised facial treatment. Specialised facials can be a single treatment or form part of a series of treatments.
This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty therapy salons. In this environment they work in 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 to establish their 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 skin diseases and 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 specialised facials. | 2.1 Design proposed facial for treatments to achieve client objectives. 2.2 Discuss benefits of selected formulations and devices 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 specialised facial treatment. | 3.1 Check readiness of treatment area and availability of equipment. 3.2 Select facial treatment products and equipment. 3.3 Prepare client, ensuring metallic jewellery, contact lens and hearing aids have been removed. 3.4 Maintain client comfort and modesty throughout treatment. 3.5 Position self and client to minimise fatigue and risk of injury. 3.6 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process. |
4. Cleanse skin using ultrasonic or direct current. | 4.1 Remove make-up and cleanse skin according to treatment plan. 4.2 Apply cleansing medium and select ultrasonic parameters. 4.3 Apply ultrasonic device according to predetermined pattern, at correct angle ensuring that skin remains moist as required. 4.4 Provide desincrustation treatment using direct current as required. 4.5 Remove cleansing medium according to manufacturer instructions. |
5. Remove minor skin blemishes and infuse serums. | 5.1 Steam and exfoliate as required. 5.2 Extract milia and comedones as required. 5.3 Apply high frequency to facial treatment areas, as required. 5.4 Use direct current or sonophoresis to infuse serums according to skin type and conditions. 5.5 Remove excess product as required. |
6. Provide micro current treatment. | 6.1 Check current on self and return dials to zero. 6.2 Select application method using electrodes, rollers, probes or gloves as required. 6.3 Apply micro current gel or cream according to manufacturer instructions. 6.4 Select treatment parameters and apply micro current as required. |
7. Complete treatment. | 7.1 Apply and remove mask as required. 7.2 Apply post treatment skin care products according to treatment plan. 7.3 Allow post treatment recovery time in relaxation area. |
8. Review treatment and provide post treatment advice. | 8.1 Evaluate specialised facial with client. 8.2 Review current skin care regimen and recommend products that support client skin priorities and maintain skin between treatments. 8.3 Design and recommend future treatments to support client priorities. 8.4 Manage client expectations of potential outcomes. 8.5 Update treatment plan and rebook client as required. |
9. Clean treatment area. | 9.1 Remove used linen and clean surfaces and equipment and attachments 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 specialised facial treatments to clients with one or more of the following skin types and conditions:
prematurely aged
diffused red
seborrhoea
acne
design a sequence of four treatments and product recommendations for three of these clients to address client priorities
recognise contraindications, skin diseases and disorders relevant to each device listed in the Assessment conditions and to allied cosmetic products
demonstrate correct and safe application technique for each device:
direct current
iontophoresis
desincrustation
high frequency
micro current
ultrasonic
design, record and maintain treatment plans and records for each client specifying details of:
client feedback
contraindications and conditions
facial treatment provided and equipment and products used
outcomes of previous and current treatment
post treatment care advice and products
recommended future treatments
relevant medical history and medications
treatment duration, areas treated and not treated
treatment objectives
treat clients effectively and minimise skin reactions
identify risk situations that cause short or overloaded circuits and take remedial action
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 specialised facial treatments
organisational policies and procedures relevant to specialised 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 disposal
work health and safety
manufacturer instructions for use of electrical equipment
legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities in regard to treatments and use of electrical equipment
scope of practice:
when to refer clients to other practitioners
importance of not diagnosing skin conditions and diseases
limitations of beauty therapist in relation to use of electrical equipment
roles of complementary therapist and medical practitioner
factors likely to affect suitability of treatment for client
effects and benefits of two comprehensive and professional skin care ranges and their relationship to each device used
effects and benefits on the physical structure of skin of:
direct current
iontophoresis
desincrustation
high frequency
micro current
ultrasonic
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 face and neck movement
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
nutritional composition of food
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 and physiology
structure, function and distribution of skin glands
production, composition, functions and control of skin gland secretions
appearance and characteristics of skin types:
dry/alipid/lipid
oily/lipid
diffused red
electromagnetic spectrum and effect of light on skin
physiological basis of skin colour
relationship between skin type, minimal erythemal dose, skin protection factor and sunscreen use
Fitzpatrick skin types
skin as a sense organ and relationship to each device used
function, formation and behaviour of major skin chemicals
growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin
normal skin responses to irritation and trauma
genetics of skin disorders
trans-epidermal water loss
absorption and relationship to skin treatments and products
formulation, function and action of cosmetic formulations and ingredients in treatment products, effects and benefits to skin, potential adverse effects and those contraindicated for specific clients
principles of static electricity
principles and properties of electrical currents and the technology used in specialised facials:
alternating current
direct current
electrical circuits
electrical supply
energy
specialised facial applications:
desincrustation
direct high frequency
iontophoresis
warming of tissues
principles and processes of direct and alternating currents:
electrical energy and electron movement
electrolytic process
thermal effect
electrodes
frequency ranges
capacitance
principles and properties of ultrasound and beauty therapy ultrasonic applications:
energy forms
definition of sound waves and ultrasound, ultrasonic
characteristics of a wave
effects and benefits of ultrasonic applications in beauty therapy:
mechanical and thermal responses
skin barrier properties
operational characteristics of ultrasonic devices
contraindications which prevent treatment or require clearance from a medical professional to proceed and relationship to specialised facials:
bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
cancer
epilepsy
pigmented lesions
pacemakers
recent cosmetic treatments such as injectables, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), laser, dermabrasion
undiagnosed lumps
contraindications which restrict treatment and appropriate modifications to specialised facial treatments:
allergies
anxiety
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, genetic factors, possible medical treatments and limitations of facial treatments on skin conditions, diseases and disorders
appearance and physiology of adverse reactions to specialised facial treatments and products and appropriate remedial action
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 body massage 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 specialised 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 and tissues
disposable gloves
the following devices/equipment:
direct current for:
iontophoresis
desincrustation
facial steamer
high frequency
hot towel cabinet
magnifying lamp
micro current
sonophoresis
ultrasonic
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
personal protective equipment
treatment products from two comprehensive and 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, cosmetic chemistry and nutrition publications electrical currents and ultrasound technology publications and trade journals anatomical charts and models interpret product and equipment information on safe use of cosmetic formulations, ingredients and device parameters. |
Writing skills to: | complete workplace documentation for electrical safety problems and equipment faults. |
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 ageing and how the selected device, products and advice will impact skin appearance protect confidentiality of client information by ensuring that other clients and colleagues do not overhear discussions discuss contraindications and precautions tactfully. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate treatment duration, treatment sequencing, costs, product quantities and prices measure cosmetic ingredient quantities and ratios to assess effectiveness of formulations calculate treatment parameters for individual device |
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 which build knowledge for providing advice to clients use software interfaces on equipment use client software to update client notes, and record stock data and product purchases use electrical currents, ultrasound devices or combination in treatment steps that will maximise outcomes for client and minimise skin damage use electrical equipment to identify and address safety issues and recognise limitations in use in specialised facials. |
Sectors
Beauty
Competency Field
Facial Services