Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use pre-set systems using crystals and vacuum suction to exfoliate the skin of the body or face.
It requires the ability to establish priorities with the client and synthesise knowledge of skin science and effects of treatment on skin structure, and to design and provide a safe and effective treatment. Micro-dermabrasion treatment can be an individual service or form part of a series of services.
This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons. In this environment they work in a team but exercise judgment in selecting and providing an appropriate treatment.
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 skin changes over lifetime, current skin care regimen, lifestyle and nutrition influences to establish client micro-dermabrasion requirements. 1.3 Conduct skin analysis, assessing degree of photo aging and pigmentation, thickness of epidermis, level of erythema and scar tissue as required. 1.4 Identify and explain contraindications to treatment, and refer client to appropriate professional as required. 1.5 Review medical history and medications, and obtain medical approval prior to treatment, as required. 1.6 Classify client’s skin, Fitzpatrick skin type and explain outcomes to client. |
2. Design micro-dermabrasion treatment. | 2.1 Design proposed mirco-dermabrasion for a single or a series of treatments based on the appropriate device parameters and treatment technique to achieve desired results. 2.2 Discuss with client potential adverse effects, treatment design and recommendations for duration, frequency and treatment costs. 2.3 Confirm revised treatment plan, record updates and obtain signed client consent. |
3. Prepare for micro-dermabrasion treatment. | 3.1 Check readiness of treatment area and availability of equipment. 3.2 Prepare self, equipment and products. 3.3 Prepare client, ensuring their comfort and modesty throughout treatment. 3.4 Position self throughout treatment to minimise fatigue and risk of injury. 3.5 Use energy, water, product and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process. |
4. Perform patch test. | 4.1 Explain physical sensation of treatment to client. 4.2 Cleanse skin and ensure area is dry and hair free. 4.3 Patch test a small area adjacent to the treatment site, assess reaction and record results. 4.4 Advise client of suitability for treatment, pre-treatment care and preparation of skin and products to use to enhance treatment outcomes. |
5. Provide micro-dermabrasion. | 5.1 Adjust treatment parameters according to patch test results. 5.2 Decide on treatment procedure, number and direction of passes. 5.3 Provide micro-dermabrasion for face or body. 5.4 Stretch and manipulate skin to prevent damage. 5.5 Monitor client reactions and adjust treatment parameters or cease treatment as required. 5.6 Apply post-treatment products. |
6. Review treatment and provide post treatment advice. | 6.1 Evaluate treatment with client. 6.2 Review current skin care regimen and make recommendations to support client priorities and maintain skin between treatments. 6.3 Advise client on how to protect skin from environmental and sun damage as required. 6.4 Record treatment parameters and outcomes of treatment on client treatment plan. 6.5 Design and recommend future treatments to support client priorities and rebook client as required. |
7. Clean treatment area. | 7.1 Remove used linen and clean surfaces and equipment and attachments according to organisational policies and procedures. 7.2 Sterilise any equipment or attachment that has come into contact with body fluids. 7.3 Restock equipment and products in preparation for next treatment. 7.4 Dispose of general waste and any hazardous waste to minimise negative environmental impacts and 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 modify treatment plans, to provide patch tests and three micro-dermabrasion treatments to clients requiring:
face treatments
body treatments
provide patch tests for each client that replicate the proposed treatment plans, including:
equipment
procedure
treatment
provide pre-treatment advice for clients that covers:
lifestyle changes
pre-treatment products and skin care regime
treatments to avoid before micro-dermabrasion
design, record and maintain treatment plan and records for each client specifying details of:
client feedback and adverse reactions
contraindications and conditions
number and directions of passes, equipment parameters and products used
outcomes:
patch tests
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
design and provide treatment routines that demonstrate appropriate application and modification of the following micro-dermabrasion techniques:
position of attachment
pressure applied
stretching
speed
angle
number of passes
direction of passes
vacuum and crystal flow settings or texture of diamond tip
treat skin requiring improvement for the clients in any three of the following:
fine lines
hyper-pigmentation
oily or congested skin
scar tissue
skin texture
stretch marks
provide safe treatments demonstrating application of health and hygiene regulations and skin penetration guidelines demonstrating:
disinfection of treatment area
disposal of infectious and non-infectious waste
disposal of single use equipment
equipment sterilisation and disinfection as required
hand washing
prevention of blood to blood contact
use of disposable equipment
use of personal protection equipment for operator and client
treat clients without damaging skin
present self, according to organisational policy.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
state or territory and local health and hygiene and skin penetration regulations and requirements relevant to providing micro-dermabrasion treatments
infectious disease transmission routes and prevention of infection transmission:
clients with blood borne diseases
contingency procedures for blood and body fluid contact
prevention of blood to blood contact
safe handling and disposal of sharps
immunity and how it is acquired
infection control procedures and application of standard precautions
definitions and methods of cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation
organisational policies and procedures relevant to providing micro-dermabrasion 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 hazardous substance disposal
work health and safety
legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities in regard to treatments
scope of practice:
when to refer clients to other practitioners
importance of not stating a diagnosis of a contraindication
limitations to micro-dermabrasion treatments
roles of nutritionist, dietician, complementary therapist and medical practitioner
factors likely to affect suitability of treatment for client
effects, risks, benefits and indications for micro-dermabrasion treatments on the physical structure of the skin
interdependence of body systems and their relationship to a healthy body and skin:
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
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 dry
oily/lipid
diffused red
phases of skin growth, cell renewal, wound healing and factors affecting epidermal mitosis
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 and how to classify skin
function, formation and behaviour of major skin chemicals
growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin
abnormal and premature skin ageing and structural skin changes
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
nervous system and its relationship to wound healing and the provision of micro-dermabrasion treatments
advantages and disadvantages of crystal and diamond tips
equipment causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to micro-dermabrasion treatments
contraindications that prevent or restrict treatment or require clearance from a medical practitioner to proceed and their relationship to micro-dermabrasion:
active acne
adverse outcomes to previous micro-dermabrasion treatments
bacteria, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
medications that cause skin thinning or inflammation
non-normal skin
prior treatments in last seven days:
chemical peels
dermal filler injections
electrolysis
laser treatment
muscle relaxant injections
tweezing
waxing
scar tissue
skin trauma
rosacea or telangiecstasia
tattoos
skin care containing the following for three days before treatment:
AHAs
hydroquinine
salicylic acid
retinoids
skin trauma
rosacea or telangiecstasia
tattoos
appearance, genetic factors, possible medical treatments and limitations of micro-dermabrasion on skin conditions, diseases and disorders
appearance, causes and management of adverse effects of micro-dermabrasion treatments:
blistering
bruising
excessive discomfort
over treatment
swelling
post treatment care and advice for specific treatment areas:
avoidance of intense physical activity, sun exposure, restrictive clothing and heat treatments
hygienic care of treatment area
other beauty or cosmetic treatments
products to avoid
side effects of treatment and what to expect
sun protection
lifestyle factors and benefits of lifestyle changes on skin
sustainable operating procedures for the conservation of product, water and power.
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 micro-dermabrasion 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 micro-dermabrasion services
manufacturer instructions for equipment
safety data sheets for cleaning and treatment products.
Assessment must ensure use of:
alcohol disposable single use skin wipes
bowls
cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
client gown or protective sheets
disposable facial wipes, microlances, spatulas and tissues
individual work station:
adjustable treatment table with safe working access to both sides and ends
individual electricity supply
magnifying lamp
operator chair
trolley for products, bowls and equipment
micro-dermabrasion consumables:
crystals
diamond tips
filters
micro-dermabrasion equipment, products and attachments
personal protective equipment:
apron
disposable gloves
goggles
mask
products from a comprehensive, professional skin care range
sterilised small tools and equipment or all equipment to be single use and disposable
treatment towels or linen, or disposable linen.
Assessment activities that allow individuals to:
complete micro-dermabrasion 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 safe use of cleaning and treatment products, micro-dermabrasion equipment and attachments. |
Oral communication skills to: | 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. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate timing, treatment parameters and price. |
Planning and organising skills to: | sequence treatment delivery to maximise benefits for client. |
Technology skills to: | access credible online publications and resources which build knowledge for providing advice to clients use client software to update client notes, record stock data and product purchases. |
Sectors
Beauty
Competency Field
Skin Services