
Note: No additional fees are required during the course. Graduates are welcome to return and revise course content for free.
Note: Our school is a government-registered institution and a Labour Department approved employment referral agency. Outstanding graduates may receive job referrals and teaching opportunities (e.g., Advanced Medical Aesthetician, Skin Peel Specialist, Aesthetic Consultant), providing diverse career pathways.
VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Skin Peeling 610/1638/X
Course Objective
- This qualification aims to develop learners' knowledge, understanding and practical skills when using superficial skin peel products and techniques to rejuvenate the condition of the skin.
- Learners will acquire skills involved in providing a thorough consultation, skin health checks to establish client suitability, and formulating a specific treatment plan tailored to individual client needs.
- Upon completion of the mandatory unit (UBT280), learners will be able to:
- LO1: Know safety considerations when providing skin peel treatments
- LO2: Understand how to provide skin peel treatments
- LO3: Know the relevant anatomy, physiology and pathologies for skin peeling
- LO4: Be able to consult, plan and prepare for treatment
- LO5: Be able to provide skin peel treatments
Learning Hours
- Total Qualification Time (TQT): 65 hours
- Guided Learning (GL) hours: 52 hours
Entry Requirement
- Learners are required to hold either the VTCT Skills Level 2 Award in Facial Massage and Skin Care or Level 2 Certificate in Facial Skincare (or equivalent), and a qualification in Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology.
- Learners must be aged 18 or over.
- Centres must ensure learners possess the required knowledge, understanding and skills to successfully achieve this qualification.
Course Syllabus
Unit UBT280: Provide skin peeling treatments
- LO1: Know safety considerations when providing skin peel treatments
- Safety of product sourcing (EU Cosmetics Regulations, CPSA guidelines)
- Insurance guidelines (skin testing, informed consent, written pre/post care)
- Hygiene considerations (sterilisation, single-use items, PPE)
- Hazards and risks (risk assessment, chemical burns, PIH, infection, scarring)
- Suppliers' and manufacturers' instructions for safe use (test patch, skin preparation)
- Treatment of minors (18+ only)
- Timing of treatments (varies by skin reaction, peel type, layering)
- Contra-indications that prevent, restrict or require medical referral (active infection, pregnancy, isotretinoin, diabetes, anticoagulants, unrealistic expectations, etc.)
- Protocol for referring contra-indicated clients (without diagnosing)
- When to consult with other aesthetic professionals (data protection, confidentiality)
- LO2: Understand how to provide skin peel treatments
- Treatment planning (client needs, expectations, pain management, frequency, cost)
- Factors to consider (previous treatments, scarring, photo damage, medical history)
- Assessing skin characteristics (Fitzpatrick scale 1-6, sensitivity, thickness, healing capacity, Wood’s lamp)
- Treatment advice (2 weeks to 48 hours pre-treatment, avoid retinoids/AHA/UV, SPF30+, fake tan avoidance, antiviral prophylaxis)
- Pain threshold and sensitivity variations (inflammatory response, 1-10 scale, Fitzpatrick 3-6 higher PIH risk)
- Skin sensitivity testing (patch test 24-48 hours behind ear or inner forearm)
- Pre-treatment preparatory skincare (2-6 weeks: tyrosinase inhibitors, antioxidants, AHA/BHA cleansers)
- Cleansing (degreasing, AHA cleansers to enhance penetration)
- Protecting sensitive areas (eyes, nostrils, lips with petroleum-based barrier)
- Peel classifications (very superficial, superficial, medium, deep – scope of practice)
- pH scale, pKa, buffers, actions of acids and alkalis on skin
- Types of peeling agents: AHAs (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, citric), BHAs (salicylic), PHAs, LHA, Jessner’s, vitamin A, vitamin C, enzyme, deep sea, peptide peels; TCA and phenol for medical use only
- Preparation of equipment (ergonomic trolley, decanting, PPE)
- Selection of peeling agent (based on skin type, Fitzpatrick, treatment goals)
- Method of application (systematic, even layer, feather edges, avoid overlap, least reactive area first)
- Re-application (increasing layers for deeper penetration)
- Influential factors on timing (prompt application, removal, neutralisation)
- Restoring pH (neutralisation with water or sodium bicarbonate; self-neutralising peels)
- Chemicals that do/do not require neutralisation
- Adaptations (pressure, duration, layers for different skin areas and sensitivity)
- Areas to avoid (periorbital area, lips)
- Use and limitations (cannot remove deep wrinkles, vascular lesions, keloids)
- Benefits and effects (refined pores, softened fine lines, improved pigmentation, acne control)
- Effects and risks (extreme erythema, blanching, PIH, overlapping marks)
- Contra-actions (frosting, flaking, pigmentary changes, breakouts)
- Pre and post-treatment products (antioxidants, growth factors, retinols, peptides, MMP inhibitors)
- Benefits and use of inhibitors (tyrosinase inhibitors to prevent PIH)
- SPF and UVA protection (minimum SPF30, broad spectrum, physical vs chemical)
- Preventing infection and promoting healing (PPE, single-use items, neutralisers)
- Treatment progression and complementary treatments (microdermabrasion, LED, needling, RF, ultrasound, injectables)
- LO3: Know the relevant anatomy, physiology and pathologies for skin peeling
- Structure and functions of the skin (epidermis layers, dermis, hypodermis, cell types, melanogenesis, barrier function, acid mantle)
- Principles of controlled wound healing (haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, remodelling, growth factors, collagen types I, III, VII)
- Structure and functions of circulatory and lymphatic systems (main arteries/veins of face, lymph nodes, relevance to wound healing)
- Principles and functions of the endocrine system (hormones affecting skin: MSH, testosterone, oestrogen, thyroxin, cortisol)
- Associated pathologies and terminology of the skin (e.g., rosacea, psoriasis, herpes, pigmentation disorders, skin cancers)
- Associated pathologies of the circulatory system (anaemia, hypertension, hepatitis, etc.)
- Associated pathologies of the lymphatic system (Hodgkin's lymphoma)
- Associated pathologies of the endocrine system (diabetes, thyroid disorders)
- LO4: Be able to consult, plan and prepare for skin peeling treatment
- Use consultation techniques (verbal, non-verbal, written, open questioning, realistic outcomes)
- Identify medical history, indications and aims (medications, herpes, Fitzpatrick, skin conditions, healing history)
- Recognise contra-indications/restrictions and take appropriate action
- Establish condition of the skin (Woods lamp, magnifying lamp, skin diagnostic equipment)
- Ensure client comfort (positioning, explanation of sensation using 1-10 pain scale, post-treatment appearance)
- Explain treatment procedures (cleansing, degreasing, barrier protection, decanting, application, neutralisation, cooling, post-care)
- Select a preparatory skincare programme (2-6 weeks, including tyrosinase inhibitors for Fitzpatrick 3-6)
- Finalise and agree treatment plan (addressing expectations, declining if unsuitable)
- Obtain signed, informed consent (written in front of client before each treatment)
- Take pre-treatment photographs (standardised lighting and position, consent for storage/use)
- Carry out skin sensitivity tests (patch test per manufacturer guidelines)
- Select suitable equipment and products (according to treatment objectives and skin type)
- Explain cooling off period (minimum 48 hours between consultation and first treatment)
- LO5: Be able to provide skin peel treatments
- Maintain own responsibilities for health and safety (safe environment, PPE)
- Prepare and protect client and self (avoid cross-infection, protect eyes/hair/clothing)
- Maintain client's modesty and privacy (towels, secure environment)
- Position client comfortably (supine or sitting, supports as needed)
- Maintain own posture and working methods (ergonomic positioning to avoid injury)
- Ensure environmental conditions suitable (ventilation, temperature, lighting, slip/trip hazards)
- Use clean equipment and materials (check expiry dates, sterile field, disinfect surfaces)
- Promote environmental and sustainable working practices (energy efficiency, sustainable sourcing, waste recording)
- Safely use equipment, materials and products (COSHH labelling, decanting into sterile pots)
- Prepare skin (professional cleansing, degreasing, follow manufacturer protocols)
- Select appropriate PPE (non-latex disposable gloves, stored correctly)
- Protect sensitive areas (apply barrier product to eyes, nostrils, lips, nasolabial folds)
- Select appropriate skin peel formulation (based on depth, percentage, pH, treatment objectives)
- Select method for application (applicator as per manufacturer: gauze, brush, gloved fingers)
- Apply a systematic approach (divide face into sections, least reactive first, stretch deep lines, feather edges, avoid overlap)
- Calculate duration and intensity (monitor clinical end points, use fan for comfort, stop if excessive reaction)
- Monitor skin reaction and client response (visual for erythema/frosting/blanching, verbal using 1-10 scale)
- Verbally communicate with client throughout (discomfort level, adjust or terminate if needed)
- Remove product and apply neutraliser if required (follow manufacturer instructions precisely)
- Apply cooling skin procedures (as per manufacturer)
- Apply post-treatment products (including physical broad-spectrum SPF30+)
- Take post-treatment photographs (same position and light, consent, no personal devices)
- Provide post care advice and home care (cool compresses, no picking/flaking, avoid sun, AHAs, retinoids, hot tubs, exercise for 1-2 weeks)
- Dispose of waste materials legally (foot-pedal bin, hazardous waste per COSHH)
- Complete treatment in a commercially viable time
- Update client records (peel details, strength, pH, duration, skin response, consent signatures)
- Provide and manage post-treatment communications and outcomes (complications, adverse reactions, complaint protocol)
Assessment Requirements
- External Theory Examination: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) assessing LO1, LO2 and LO3, contributing 50% to the overall grade. Graded Fail/Pass/Merit/Distinction (Pass = 450 points, Merit = 500, Distinction = 550).
- Clinical Case Studies: Minimum of 6 clients (new/existing, male/female). Must include full medical history, advanced skin health assessment, before/after photos, detailed treatment records (products, application, duration), evaluation, pre/post skincare and lifestyle advice. Internally assessed as Pass/Refer. Must be completed before theory and practical examinations.
- Practical Examination: External examiner (on-site or remote) assessing LO4 and LO5, contributing 50% to the overall grade. Graded Fail/Pass/Merit/Distinction. Maximum 6 learners at a time, real client, commercially acceptable time frame. Learners must achieve minimum 10 marks in the first three sections (appearance, client care, preparation of area) to pass.
- All three components must be passed to achieve the qualification.
Assessment Methods
- Theory Examination (MCQ): Externally set and marked, taken online under controlled conditions.
- Clinical Case Study Portfolio: Internally assessed (lecturer marked), externally moderated by examiner sampling.
- Practical Examination: External examiner observes and marks performance including consultation, skin assessment, application technique, neutralisation, post-care, and oral questions.
Assessment Fee
- Included in tuition fees (waived).
Student Benefits
- Gain professional skin peeling knowledge and practical skills (AHA/BHA/enzyme peels, pH/pKa understanding, controlled wound healing)
- Enhance employability in medical aesthetic centres, beauty salons, spas and similar establishments
- Obtain an internationally recognised VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 certificate
- Learn industry-standard client consultation, skin health checks, and treatment planning processes
- Free revision of course content
- Job referral opportunities for outstanding graduates
Qualification Awarded
- VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Skin Peeling
Accreditation
- VTCT (iTEC) qualification recognition
- Meets UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 4
Progression / Other Relevant Programmes
- VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Principles and Practice of Aesthetic Therapies
- VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Radio Frequency
- VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Ultrasound
- VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Dermaplaning
- VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Skin Needling