Carry out a thorough skin analysis using technologies

This standard coexists alongside, SKANSC1: Implement and maintain safe, hygienic and effective working practices during elective non-surgical cosmetic procedures, SKANSC2: Consult, assess, plan and prepare for elective non surgical cosmetic procedures. This standard is for aesthetic practitioners to recognise skin types, skin conditions and skin lesions using technologies. Aesthetic practitioners are to analyse, evaluate, determine and manage skin conditions. Aesthetic practitioners must work within their scope of practice and limits of their authority and refer individuals to relevant healthcare professionals when necessary. Users of this standard will need to have the relevant underpinning knowledge to understand the anatomy, physiology and pathologies of the skin conditions which they observe. You will also be required to do a post procedure evaluation and reflection for continuous improvement. Users of this standard will need to ensure that their practices reflect up-to-date information, policies, procedures and best practice guidance.

1. follow legal requirements and other relevant standards, insurance guidelines and, organisational protocols when carrying out a skin analysis
2. maintain your responsibilities for the health, safety, hygiene and welfare of the individual and yourself before, during and after the skin analysis
3. carry out a concise and comprehensive skin consultation to inform the skin analysis.
4. discuss and provide the rationale for the proposed skin analysis and the protocols for undertaking them.
5. ensure the individual’s understanding and obtain informed consent for the proposed investigative procedure
6. identify and select the technology equipment to be used to carry out the skin analysis to determine, review and monitor the presenting skin condition, following organisational protocols
7. record and securely store visual media for future reference and monitoring purposes in accordance with legislative, regulatory and indemnity requirements
8. evaluate the presenting skin type and skin condition against known skin classifications
9. collate, analyse and evaluate the information gathered from the skin consultation, the skin analysis and available evidence base relating to the presenting skin condition to inform the treatment plan

10. discuss, formulate and agree with the individual the outcome based on the conclusion of the skin analysis to include:

    • 10.1. the best interests of the individual
    • 10.2. ethical responsibilities working within your scope of practice
    • 10.3. adapting communication styles to meet the individuals needs
    • 10.4. contraindications and potential comorbidities

11. refer to other professionals where indicated by the outcome of the skin analysis

12. record the information gathered and the outcomes of the skin analysis to meet legal requirements and organisational protocols
13. review and reflect on your performance to inform continuous professional development

1. the legal requirements and other relevant standards, insurance guidelines and, organisational protocols when carrying out a skin analysis
2. how to maintain your role and responsibilities for the health, safety and welfare of the individual and yourself before, during and after the skin analysis
3. the importance of working within the scope of your practice
4. the rationale for the proposed skin analysis, expected findings in different skin types and the role of evidence-based practice
5. the protocols for the correct and safe use of skin analysis technologies
6. how to interpret outcomes from the skin analysis procedure
7. how to review and monitor the presenting skin condition, following organisational protocols
8. the importance and requirements of gaining informed consent
9. the reasons for taking consensual visual media of the individual's treatment area and storing in accordance with the service, legislative, insurance and organisational requirements
10. how to evaluate the features and severity of presenting skin conditions in relation to known skin classifications
11. how the skin consultation, initial assessment, available evidence and the skin analysis outcomes collectively inform a bespoke treatment plan
12. how to critically evaluate the evidence base
13. the anatomy and physiology relevant to this standard
14. the normal and adverse signs and patterns of skin conditions across all skin types
15. the importance of recognising suspicious skin irregularities and lesions, and referring to a relevant healthcare professional
16. the biological variables, associated symptoms, physiological indicators and comorbidities that can contribute to the pathophysiology of the observed skin changes
17. the biochemical markers that can result in skin changes

18. how to develop an agreed treatment plan with the individual based on the conclusion of the skin analysis, to include:

    • 18.1. the impact on the prognosis
    • 18.2. the variety of options available for management

19. how to complete accurate, secure and contemporaneous records of the information gathered and the outcomes of the skin analysis to meet legal requirements and organisational protocols, considering:

    • 19.1. the rights of the individual
    • 19.2. audit and accountability

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

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

Skin analysis

1. Visual examination of the skin
2. Manual examination of the skin
3. Magnifying light
4. Woods light
5. Digital Skin scanner
6. Derma scope
7. Hydration monitor/scanner

Skin classification

1. Fitzpatrick scale
2. Glogau Scale photo-damage
3. Lancer scale
4. Phenotype and genotype
5. Monk skin tone scale
6. Rubins scale

Skin condition

1. lax elasticity
2. hyper and hypo pigmentation
3. congested
4. pustular
5. fragile
6. vascular
7. sensitised
8. sensitive
9. dehydrated
10. photo-sensitive
11. photo-aged
12. lack lustre

Skin type

1. dry
2. oily
3. combination
4. balanced

Anatomy and Physiology

1. anatomy and physiology of the skin
2. interdependence of body systems and organs, tissues and cellular
   organisation and homeostasis,
3. the skin barrier function, regulation and impact of wound healing
4. relative and absolute contraindications and related pathologies
5. intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect skin condition
6. acne grading criteria

Signs and patterns

1. The presence, extent and location of erythema
2. Vascular patterns within the skin
3. Signs indicative of scarring and fibrosis
4. Discolouration, hyper or hypopigmentation of the skin
5. Primary and secondary skin lesions
6. Benign and suspicious skin lesions
7. Presence of contact irritant or allergy response
8. Presence of infection or infestation
9. Hyper or hypo secretion of sebum and sweat

Evidence-based practice
Evidence-based practice is based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence
Informed consent
Permission for the practitioner to provide care, treatment or
other services given by the individual, or someone acting on their behalf, after receiving all the information they reasonably need to make that decision
Refer
Refer is to ask someone else to provide care, treatment or other services which are beyond the scope of the practitioners practice, or where relevant because the individual has requested a second opinion.
Scope of practice
Scope of practice is the procedures, actions and processes that a practitioner is allowed to undertake according to their specific education, level of expertise and competency
Visual media
Visual media is to cover all images recorded including video, photography and digital microscopic images of the hair and/or scalp. This must be carried out with the individuals consent.

SKANSC1, SKANSC2, SKANSC3, SKANSC4, SKANSC5, SKANSC6, SKANSC7, SKANSC8, SKANSC9, SKANSC10, SKANSC11, SKANSC12, SKANSC13, SKANSC15, SKANSC16, SKANSC17, SKANSC18, SKANSC19, SKANSC20, SKANSC21, SKANSC22, SKANSC23