Elements and Performance Criteria

Relevant legislation may include but is not limited to:

Federal, State and local health and hygiene regulations

Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

Workplace policies and procedures may include but are not limited to:
health and hygiene
comfort and privacy

designated time frames for the completion of the service
quality assurance.

The growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin may include:

growth

development

differentiation
cell division and differentiation
growth of the epidermis

mitosis
changes in the skin from foetus to old age

theories about ageing
normal ageing and photo ageing
wound healing/stages in wound healing.

The inheritance or genetics of physical traits and conditions may include:
the gene theory of inheritance

dominant and recessive genes

inherited skin disorders

acne

eczema/atopic dermatitis

seborrhoeic dermatitis

pigmentation disorders
hair disorders.

Major skin chemicals may include:

proteins:
soluble
insoluble
collagens
elastin
keratin

lipids

glycosaminoglycans.

The role of the endocrine glands and hormones may include:

sebaceous gland secretion
sweat secretion
sense reception
growth and healing
hair growth and loss

pigmentation
the menstrual cycle
age related hormonal change and the skin
effect of drugs and hormones on skin physiology.

Percutaneous absorption may include:
skin surface chemistry
the skin and the percutaneous absorption process

absorption pathways
rates of penetration

measuring percutaneous absorption

bioavailability biological activity.

A range of skin disorders/diseases may include but are not limited to:

dermatitis and eczema:
acute dermatitis
chronic dermatitis
allergic contact dermatitis
seborrheic dermatitis
atopic dermatitis
discoid eczema (hummucar dermatitis)
winter eczema (asteatotic dermatitis)
stasis dermatitis
pityriasis alba

psoriasis, psoriasis form eruptions and lichen planus:
pityriasis ruba pilaris
para psoriasis
lichen planus

pigmentation disorders

acne:
types
perioral dermatitis

rosacea:
telangeictasia
spider tecangie
pigmented purpuric dermatitis
couperose

urticaria (hives):
variants:
pressure urticaria
cold urticaria
contact urticaria

diseases of genetic origin:
keratinisation
ichthyosis
keratosis pilaris
naevi and related malformations:
epithelial:
sebaceous warts
vascular:
port wine stains
superficial haemagioma (strawberry mole)
benign tumours of the skin:
seborrhoeic keratosis
skin tags

pre-malignant tumours of the skin:
solar keratosis
cutaneous horn

Contagious disorders may include but are not limited to:
bacterial infections:
staphylococcal and streptococcal
impetigo
folliculitis
cellulitis
syphilis
viral infections:
warts
molluscum contagiosum
measles
rubella
varicella
herpes
fungal infections:
tinea
pityriasis versicolor
mucocutaneous candidiasis
disease caused by animal parasites:
fleas, lice, bedbugs
papular urticaria mites and ticks
parasitic worms.

Contra-indications to treatments may include:
local and/or general contra-indications:
skin disorders or diseases
allergic reactions
bruising or swelling
areas exhibiting loss of tactile sensation
cuts or abrasions
recent operations
areas of recent fractures of sprains
diabetes
blood disorders/diseases
contra-indications of products used in combination or with other services.

Appropriate professionals may include:
medical practitioner
complementary therapist.

Provision of aftercare service and advice may include but is not limited to:
lifestyle changes:
sun protection
skin care
effects of nutrition on skin and hair
product advice
advice on further services.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures.
Knowledge and consistent application of Federal, State and local health and hygiene requirements/regulations and skin penetration legislation.
Knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of products and equipment, including the use of preventative measures, according to manufacturer safety manuals and Occupational Health and Safety regulations/requirements.

Knowledge and consistent application of the principles of skin science and skin disorders as they apply to beauty therapy treatments, including:

main functions and role of the skin
growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin
inheritance of physical traits
function, formation and behaviour of the major skin chemicals
role of endocrine glands and hormones in the body
percutaneous absoption
skin disorders
provision of aftercare service and advice.
Knowledge and skill in the application of a variety of beauty therapy treatments, using a variety of techniques/procedures involving skin care.
Accurately and legibly recording relevant data.

Context of assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the beauty therapist and/or a skin science specialist and may be in a simulated environment.
Competency should be demonstrated in a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to page 32 of the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Relationship to other units
This unit is a co-requisite for a range of beauty therapy units. It requires an assessment outcome which includes evidence of the application of knowledge of skin science to the performance of one or more beauty therapy treatments.

This unit must therefore be assessed in conjunction with one or more of the following related units:

WRBBS407B Provide body treatments
WRBBS509A Plan the spa program
WRBBS510A Provide the spa program
WRBBS511A Apply aromatic plant oil chemistry to beauty treatments
WRBBS512A Blend a range of aromatic plant oils for beauty treatments
WRBFS406B Provide facial treatments
WRBFS407B Provide advanced facial treatments
WRBSS503B Provide permanent epilation
WRBSS504B Perform diathermy service
WRBSS505B Design and perform cosmetic tattooing/micropigmentation procedures
WRBSS506A Provide upper body piercing

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:


observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

identifying the principles of skin science and disorders and developing and maintaining safe work practices
relating the performance of a variety of treatment processes to the principles of skin science and disorders, according to client and safety requirements.
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of beauty therapy treatments using electrical equipment, including aftercare advice and relevant legislation.
completing workplace documentation relevant to beauty therapy treatments.
third party reports from experienced beauty professionals in the workplace.
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer/coach/supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Required skills and knowledge to achieve the performance criteria
Responding to possible skin damage situations.
Applying knowledge of skin science to the performance of beauty therapy treatments.
Applying infection control procedures.

Communication techniques including:

using open and/or closed questions
speaking clearly and concisely
using appropriate language
non-verbal communication
written communication.
Language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.
The provisions of relevant health and hygiene regulations/requirements and skin penetration legislation.
The provisions of relevant Occupational Health and Safety regulations/requirements.
Knowledge of the principles of skin science and skin disorders as they relate to beauty therapy treatments.
Workplace policies and procedures in regard to the performance of beauty therapy treatments.

Knowledge of skin science and skin disorders in relation to beauty therapy treatments/procedures, including:

main functions and role of the skin
growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin
inheritance of physical traits
function, formation and behaviour of the major skin chemicals
role of endocrine glands and hormones in the body
percutaneous absoption
skin disorders
provision of aftercare service and advice.
The workplace product, treatment and equipment range and manufacturer instructions/data sheets.

Specific resources required for assessment

Relevant documentation, such as:

workplace policy and procedures manuals.
Access to a range of clients with different requirements.
A range of equipment and products appropriate to the beauty workplace.
Product labels and sources of product information.
A qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Communicating ideas and information
Evaluating treatment and advising on future treatments will require the communication of ideas and information. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Identifying client needs and characteristics to design beauty therapy treatments will require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Performing a range of beauty therapy treatments according to client requirements, manufacturer instructions, health and hygiene requirements and workplace procedures will require activities to be planned and organised. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Maintaining knowledge of workplace procedures and relevant legislation will require reporting to other staff members. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Determining product concentration levels will require the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Recognising skin problems and designing skin care programs will require problem solving skills (3)

Using technology
Recording relevant outcomes and reporting problems may require the use of technology. (1)