America’s Beauty Show by Cosmetologists Chicago celebrates the vote of the CIDESCO (Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie) General Assembly in granting Cosmetologists Chicago's American Association for Esthetics the license as the administrator for CIDESCO Section USA.

“Our hats are off to Jessi Marshall and the Professional Beauty Association for nurturing this all important brand these many years,” said Paul Dykstra, CEO of Cosmetologists Chicago/American Association for Esthetics. “We also thank Lydia Sarfati, chair CIDESCO Section USA, for her insights and passion not only in knowing the importance of this brand for America's salon and spa communities, but also for having the passion and heart to fight for its recognition in the USA.”

The announcement was made during the just concluded 64th annual CIDESCO World Congress in Dublin, Ireland. The special event marked CIDESCO's 70th anniversary. American spa dignitaries Joel Gerson of New York and Margrit Altenburg of Texas were also honored by CIDESCO for their pioneering efforts in skin care education here in the United States of America.

“CIDESCO provides international recognition of excellence and makes it possible for estheticians and beauty therapists to achieve credentials that are recognized in more than 40 countries," Sarfati says. "Additionally, CIDESCO Section USA is authorized to accredit salons and spas with the gold standard of a CIDESCO certificate.

“CIDESCO Section USA will provide great education to help professionals improve and excel in all facets of beauty therapy with the option to obtain the CIDESCO diplomate status. I will work closely with Cosmetologists Chicago/American Association for Esthetics to meet the goals of CIDESCO International through CIDESCO Section USA."

“New opportunities will be announced shortly for spa professionals, salons and spas, as well as manufacturers and distributors in support of esthetics excellence in the USA.” Dykstra says. “We will assist manufacturers to both understand and to embrace the CIDESCO worldwide benchmark and if they are aligned with FDA regulations, they will be eligible to apply as CIDESCO associate members.” 

In the meantime, CIDESCO Section USA will offer educational tracks during the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa Conference Florida in Ft. Lauderdale in October 2016, the International Salon and Spa Expo in Long Beach in January 2017 and at the premiere of the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa Conference Chicago, March 25-27, 2017. IECSC Chicago is co-located with America’s Beauty Show, at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.

USA salon and spa professionals who have earned the prestigious CIDESCO Diplomate honor are invited to update their profiles at AmericasBeautyShow.com/CIDESCOUSA. 

Dykstra noted that an extensive search will be undertaken to connect with all Diplomates—the highest designation in the salon and spa profession.

National sections, as well as leading schools and colleges from around the world in over 40 countries represent CIDESCO across 5 continents, which offer the internationally acclaimed CIDESCO standards and qualifications. CIDESCO schools like those in the United States offer a portfolio of prestigious training programs, standards and qualifications in Beauty and Spa Therapy and Management, Aromatherapy, Epilation and Media Make-up to produce graduates and professionals of the highest level.