Provide cryotherapy facial procedures

This standard coexists alongside, SKANSC*1.2:* Implement and maintain safe, hygienic and effective working practices during elective non-surgical cosmetic procedures and SKANSC*2.2: Consult, assess, plan and prepare for elective non-surgical cosmetic procedures within the working environment*. This standard is for advanced aesthetic practitioners carrying out cryotherapy facial procedures to rejuvenate the skin. Cryotherapy is achieved using a cryotherapy instrument that hosts a capsule that emits and regulates a stream of nitrous oxide gas at a safe temperature onto the skin. This action constricts the blood vessels and on release vasodilation occurs, stimulating a surge of blood flow bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the skin. You will also be required to do a post procedure evaluation and reflection for continuous improvement. The aesthetic practitioner must have a First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent, and be able to carry out the functions within SFHCHS36: Basic life support and have access to life support equipment, as identified in the complication management plan. Users of this standard will need to ensure that their practices reflect up-to-date information, policies, procedures and best practice guidance.

The main outcomes are:

1. Provide a cryotherapy facial to rejuvenate the skin

1. carry out a concise and comprehensive consultation with the individual

2. maintain your responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with legislation, regulations, directives and guidelines 

3. discuss and establish the individual’s objectives, concerns, expectations and desired outcomes to inform the cryotherapy facial procedure plan, to include: 

3.1 skin classification, characteristics and condition 

3.2 previous exfoliation treatments

3.3 previous non-surgical cosmetic procedures 

3.4 alternative treatment options

3.5 preparatory skin treatment 

3.6 post skin treatment 

4. confirm and agree with the individual, they have understood the proposed cryotherapy facial procedure, to include:

4.1 contra-actions

4.2 adverse reactions

5. obtain and record the individual’s informed consent for the cryotherapy facial procedure, allowing an adequate time scale for the individual to make an informed choice

6. carry out the preparatory skin treatment, in accordance with the *cryotherapy facial procedure protocol *

1. the importance of collaboration with competent professionals to support effective and safe working practices

2. your role and responsibilities in providing cryotherapy facial procedures and the importance of working within your competence

3. why you must comply with ethical practice and work within the legislative requirements, to include:

3.1 the responsibilities under local authority licensing regulations for yourself and your premises

4. the importance to engage in, and document continuous professional development to include, up-to-date information policies, procedures and best practice guidance

5. the anatomy and physiology relevant to this standard 

6. the relative and absolute contraindications relevant to cryotherapy facial procedures  

6.1 the legislative and insurance requirements for obtaining medical diagnosis and referral 

6.2 how and when to communicate and/or refer to other non-healthcare and health care professionals

7. the importance of recognising suspicious skin irregularities and lesions, and referring to a relevant healthcare professional 

8. how and why vasoconstriction and vasodilation occurs in cryotherapy facial procedures 

9. the benefits, limitations and associated risks from cryotherapy procedures 

10. the relative and absolute contraindications relevant to cryotherapy facial procedures  

10.1 the legislative and insurance requirements for obtaining medical diagnosis and referral 

10.2 how and when to communicate and/or refer to other non-healthcare and health care professionals

11. the chronological skin ageing process and the relationship to intrinsic and extrinsic factors

12. the sourcing, storage, handling, usage and disposal of a cryotherapy instrument and capsules in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and legislative requirements, to include:

12.1 the temperature in which nitrous oxide should be stored 

13. the importance of considering individual's physical and psychological wellbeing for the cryotherapy facial procedure

14. the preparatory and post skin treatments that can be used in conjunction with a cryotherapy facial procedure 

Skin classification

1. Fitzpatrick scale
2. Glogau photo-damage
3. Lancer scale
4. Phenotype and genotype

Adverse reactions

1. hyperaemia
2. frost bite
3. ice burns
4. numbness
5. tingling sensation
6. irritation
7. allergic reaction
8. excessive histamine reaction

Cryotherapy facial procedure protocol

1. working environment
2. health and safety
3. risk management plan
4. infection prevention and control
5. complication management
6. procedure plan
7. informed consent
8. data management
9. manufacturer instructions
10. test outcomes
11. audit and accountability
12. instructions and advice
13. sustainability
14. waste management
15. evidence-based practice
16. reflective practice

Instructions

1. the individual and aesthetic practitioner's legal rights and responsibilities
2. complication management
3. post procedure expectations and associated time frames
4. pre and post procedure instructions and care
5. restrictions and associated risks
6. future procedures
7. complaints procedure or concerns protocol

Anatomy and physiology

1. the structure and function of the body systems and their interdependence on each other
2. relative and absolute contraindications and pathologies
3. the ageing process of the skin including the effects of genetics, lifestyle and environment
4. the variances and location of skin thickness and areas to avoid within a cryotherapy facial
5. the physiological effects and benefits of cryotherapy facial
6. the compromised skin barrier function and skin regeneration processes

Visual aids

1. illustrative images
2. illustrative diagrams

Absolute contraindication

An absolute contraindication is a condition that prevents the service from being carried out and may require referral.

Adverse reaction
An adverse reaction is an 'unexpected' reaction or outcome following a service, i.e. fainting

Anatomy and Physiology

How the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, excretory, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems interact with each other and how they impact the individual, service and outcomes.

Contra action
A contra-action is an 'expected' reaction or outcome following a service, i.e. erythema

Evidence-based practice

Evidence-based practice is based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence.

First aid

First aid can refer to first aid at work qualifications or equivalent and first aid mental health awareness.

Protocol

A protocol is a standard procedure to ensure best practice and compliance when providing services, i.e. follow manufacturer's instructions.

Relative contraindication

A relative contraindication is a condition that requires an assessment of suitability for the service and/or if adaptions are required.

Visual media

Visual media is evidence generated through photography or video.

​SKANSC1.2, SKANSC2.2, SKANSC10, SKANSC11 SKANSC13