Beauticians carry out a variety of different procedures, many of which involve 'skin penetration'. Because 'skin penetration' carries a risk of infection, the premises and procedures where skin penetration is conducted must comply with the Public Health Regulation, 2012.
This fact sheet has been developed by NSW Health to assist beauticians and beauty treatment operators who carry out procedures that involve skin penetration to adopt good infection control practices. This will prevent the spread of disease as well as enable beauticians to meet the requirements of the Public Health Regulation, 2012.
Beauty treatment procedures that involve skin penetration includes hair removal (not laser hair removal), blackhead removal using a needle, micro-dermabrasion, cuticle cutting, razor scrapping, and cosmetic tattooing.
Procedures that involve skin penetration carry a greater risk of spreading disease because microorganisms (germs) can easily enter the body when the skin barrier is broken. Microorganisms that are present on dirty instruments which penetrate the skin have caused outbreaks of diseases such as hepatitis C and B.
NSW Health undertook a review to determine whether the current regulation of cosmetic procedures is appropriate to ensure the safety of consumers.
Find out about the recommendations of the report and what to do if you're planning to have a cosmetic procedure.