Cosmetic enhancement and semi-permanent make-up hygiene standards

Last updated: 01 October 2003

What is cosmetic enhancement?

Cosmetic enhancement and/or semi-permanent make-up involves implanting coloured dyes or pigment into the dermis layer of the skin through the use of a thin needle. The needle is housed in a motor chamber that allows the needle to enter the skin rapidly. To ensure that infection control techniques and minimum standards are maintained, the following recommendations are made to help achieve these standards.

Premises

• All cosmetic enhancement and semi-permanent make-up premises must be registered with the local council. The register is to be made available for public viewing.
• The premises must be in a clean and hygienic condition at all times.
• A hand basin with hot and cold running water is required in the premises and is recommended to be in the treatment area.
• Soap or other hand cleaning substance is required to be at the hand basin.
• Paper towel or other single use hand drying equipment is required to be at the hand basin.
• The construction of the premises should meet with local council requirements.
• The finish on all surfaces within the treatment area should be made of materials that are easily cleaned.
• Fittings in the treatment area such as benches should be cleaned between each client and/or a clean covering placed over the treatment surface.
• Adequate lighting is recommended.

Personal Hygiene

• People conducting cosmetic enhancement or semi-permanent make-up must wash their hands before and after attending a client.
• A clean gown or apron must be worn during a treatment.
• If a person carrying out cosmetic enhancement or semi-permanent make-up has a cut or open wound on their hands or fingers especially, they must cover it with a waterproof dressing.
• When carrying out a treatment which involves penetrating the skin single use gloves must be worn.

Equipment

• All equipment that penetrates the skin is to be sterilised and maintained in a clean and sterile condition.
• Equipment used on the skin surface that comes in contact with blood or other body substances must be cleaned before it is reused. It is also recommended where possible that this equipment be thermally disinfected.
• It is recommended that equipment which does not penetrates the skin but may become contaminated with blood or other body substances be made of materials that are easily cleaned.

Procedures

• Although not a legal requirement it is recommended that a person under the age of 18 years have parental or guardian approval prior to undergoing treatment.
• All necessary equipment should be set up just prior to the procedure.
• The sterile packaging should only be opened when ready to proceed.
• The skin area to be treated should be cleaned with a skin antiseptic.
• The sterile part of equipment that penetrates the skin should not be touched.
• Lubricants, creams, gels or dyes should be dispensed into a separate container at the start of the procedure for the client. Alternatively single use applicators can be used provided they are not 'double dipped.'
• Where possible use single use equipment, such as razors. These items should be disposed immediately after use.
• Cover spray bottles with disposable plastic covers.

After Treatment

• All equipment should be cleaned immediately after the procedure.
• Remaining creams, oils, gels or dyes that have been dispensed are to be thrown out with any single use container.
• All single use needles or other sharps should be disposed immediately after treatment into a sharps container.
• All reusable needles or other sharps should be cleaned and sterilised immediately after the procedure.
• Single use gloves should be disposed of immediately after the procedure.
• After care instructions should be provided to the client about cleaning the site, infections and what to look for, and healing times.
• All waste should be bagged appropriately and disposed daily. It is illegal for sharps or other clinical waste to be disposed of in the general waste stream.
• Details of the sterilisation process must be recorded.

Related links

• Guidelines for skin penetration  http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/publichealth/environment/general/guidelines_skin_pen.asp
• Skin penetration code of best practice  http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/publichealth/environment/general/code_of_practice.asp