Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide body treatments incorporating body massage techniques, electrical currents, body scrubs and wraps.
It requires the ability to establish priorities with clients, synthesise knowledge of anatomy, physiology and skin, and operate specialised equipment with allied cosmetic products to design and provide body treatments addressing relaxation requirements. Body treatments can be a single treatment or form part of a series of treatments.
This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons and spas. In this environment they work as 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 body treatment requirements and lifestyle factors with client and identify treatment priorities. 1.3 Identify client medical history, medications and obtain medical approval prior to treatment as required. 1.4 Assess client skin condition and possible adverse reactions and discuss with client. 1.5 Identify contraindications to body treatment and refer client to appropriate professional as required. 1.6 Assess suitability of body treatment to meet client requirements. |
2. Design and recommend body treatment. | 2.1 Design proposed treatment for a single or series of treatments that maximise required client outcomes and minimises skin damage. 2.2 Explain benefits and potential adverse effects of designed treatment to client. 2.3 Discuss recommendations for duration, frequency and treatment costs with client. 2.4. Discuss lifestyle factors that may impact on effectiveness of treatment with client. 2.5 Modify treatment plan, record updates and obtain client consent. |
3. Prepare for body treatment. | 3.1 Check readiness of treatment area and availability of equipment. 3.2 Prepare client, equipment and products based on agreed treatment plan. 3.3 Ensure client comfort and modesty throughout treatment. 3.4 Assess environmental impact and identify appropriate disposal methods based on cosmetic chemistry ingredients. 3.5 Use energy, water and other resources effectively during preparation and subsequent treatment process. |
4. Provide body wrap treatment. | 4.1 Exfoliate skin, and apply body wrap products or herbal pack according to treatment plan. 4.2 Monitor client comfort, and modify treatment as required. 4.3 Remove products, rinse the skin and apply aftercare products. 4.4 Monitor client and allow post recovery time in a relaxing environment. |
5. Operate electrical equipment to provide body treatment. | 5.1 Exfoliate skin according to treatment plan. 5.2 Use direct current to infuse selected products into the epidermis according to treatment plan. 5.3 Stimulate circulation with electrical equipment and apply treatment products according to manufacturer instructions and treatment plan. 5.4 Monitor client reactions and adjust equipment, electric current intensity, and treatment as required. 5.5 Allow post treatment recovery time in a relaxing environment. |
6. Review treatment and body care advice. | 6.1 Evaluate body treatment with client. 6.2 Record outcomes of treatment on client treatment plan. 6.3 Review current body skin care regimen and make recommendations to support client objectives. 6.4 Manage client expectations of potential outcomes. 6.5 Recommend home care, lifestyle changes, products and future treatments. 6.6 Update treatment plan and rebook client as required |
7. Clean treatment area. | 7.1 Remove used linen and clean surfaces and equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 7.2 Restock equipment and products in preparation for next treatment. 7.3 Dispose of general waste and used treatment products 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 adjust treatment plan to provide six safe and appropriate body treatments to clients of differing age and weight and which meet one or more of the following client treatment objectives:
skin exfoliation
skin softening and hydration
relaxation
recognise contraindications, skin diseases and disorders relevant to each device listed in Assessment Conditions and to allied body products
provide treatments to each of the following areas as appropriate to the above clients:
abdomen
arms
back
décolletage
legs
neck
design a sequence of four treatments and product recommendations for three of the above clients to address priorities of each client
demonstrate safe and appropriate application of each of the following:
direct current (galvanic) machine to infuse products into the epidermis
high frequency machine
steamer or infra-red or hydrotherapy or G5 mechanical massager to stimulate circulation
design, record and update treatment plans and records for each of the above clients specifying the details of:
client feedback
contraindications and conditions
equipment and products used
outcomes of previous and current treatment
post treatment lifestyle and product advice
relevant medical history and medication
treatment duration, areas treated and areas 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:
state or territory and local health, hygiene and skin penetration regulations and requirements relevant to providing body treatments
organisational policies and procedures relevant to providing body 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 the use of electrical equipment in body treatments
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 condition
limitation of body treatments
role of complementary therapist and medical practitioner
factors likely to affect suitability of body treatments for client:
budgetary and time constraints
outcomes of previous treatments
physical attributes
effects and benefits of professional body ranges and their relationship to each device or treatment step
effects and benefits on the physical structure of the skin and on body systems of:
direct current (galvanic) to infuse products into the epidermis
high frequency machine
steamer
infra-red
hydrotherapy
G5 mechanical massager
anatomical position terminology in relation to body treatments
structural layers of the human body
anatomy and physiology of cells, tissues, organs
interdependence of body systems and their relationship to a healthy body and skin:
nervous system and its relationship to skin sensations
lymphatic and circulatory systems and their relationship to skin functions, thermoregulation and homeostasis
position of major bones
position and action of superficial muscles
postural and skeletal abnormalities
common disorders of body systems and their relationship to body treatments
normal and abnormal function of skin glands and skin gland secretions
Fitzpatrick skin types
skin as a sense organ and relationship to each device used
the role of endocrine glands and hormones as they relate to the sebaceous and sweat glands
function, formation and behaviour of major skin chemicals
normal skin responses to irritation and trauma
ingredients in treatment products, effects and benefits to skin, potential adverse effects and those contraindicated for specific clients
chemical formulations of body treatment products:
exfoliants
masks
moisturisers
scrubs
wraps
contraindications to specific formulations and ingredients identified in product information
principles and properties of electrical currents and the technology used in body treatments:
alternating current
direct current
frequencies and wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum and effect of infra-red frequencies on skin and soft tissue
contraindications that prevent body treatments or require clearance from a medical professional to proceed and their relationship to body treatments:
bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
cancer
clients with symptoms of infectious disease:
heart diseases and disorders
extreme fatigue
extremes of body temperature
pregnancy
contraindications that prevent electrical body treatments and their relationship to body treatments:
dysfunction of nervous system
pacemakers
contraindications that restrict body treatments and appropriate modifications to treatment plan:
allergies
anxiety
areas exhibiting loss of tactile sensation
asthma
diabetes mellitus, type one and two
epilepsy
fragile skin
high or low blood pressure
history of thrombosis or embolism
inflammation
medications that cause thinning or inflammation of the skin
metal pins or plates
pain that is chronic or does not have a logical explanation:
local
sharp
dull
deep
surface
piercings
psoriasis
recent chemical peels, epilation, Intense Pulsed Light, laser or microdermabrasion treatment
recent scar tissue
severe oedema
skin trauma
varicose veins
appearance and limitations of body massage in skin disorders and diseases
physiology of adverse reactions to body treatments and appropriate remedial action:
allergy to products
bruising
emotional release
erythema resulting from treatment and skin care product
muscle spasms
pain or discomfort
psychological reactions of client to electrical current treatment
skin blemishes
temperature discomfort
lifestyle factors and benefits of lifestyle changes likely to increase the effects of body treatments:
alcohol consumption
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 treatments relevant to body treatments.
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 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 providing body treatments
equipment manufacturer instructions
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 product application
cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
client gowns and hair protectors
disposable facial wipes, microlances, spatulas and tissues
equipment:
direct current (galvanic) machine to infuse products into the epidermis
high frequency machine
steamer or infra-red or hydrotherapy or G5 mechanical massager to stimulate circulation
individual work station consisting of:
adjustable treatment table with safe working access at both ends and sides
individual electricity supply
magnifying lamp
trolley for products, bowls and equipment
personal protective equipment:
disposable gloves
treatment products from two professional body specialist product ranges
treatment towels or linen, or disposable linen.
Assessment activities that allow the learner to:
provide body 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 products source and interpret reliable information from: anatomy and physiology, skin science, cosmetic chemistry and nutrition publications anatomical charts and models interpret product and equipment information on safe use of cosmetic formulations, ingredients and device parameters. |
Oral communication skills to: | provide simple explanations to client on the effect of the selected device, products, and impacts on body and skin appearance protect client confidentiality by ensuring that other clients and colleagues do not overhear discussions. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate treatment duration, sequencing, costs, product quantities and prices calculate cosmetic ingredient quantities and ratios to mix products and assess effectiveness of formulations calculate intensity and duration of electric currents. |
Technology skills to: | access credible on-line publications and resources which build knowledge to provide advice to clients use software interfaces on equipment use client software to update client notes, rebook future treatments, record stock data and product purchases safely use and maintain electrical equipment. |
Sectors
Beauty
Competency Field
Body Services