America’s Beauty Show by Cosmetologists Chicago officially launched the CIDESCO Section USA at a press briefing during America’s Beauty Show, March 26, 2017. CIDESCO, which stands for Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie, has been an international beauty therapy association for 70 years and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The CIDESCO General Assembly granted Cosmetologists Chicago's American Association for Esthetics the license as the administrator for CIDESCO Section USA in September 2016.

National CIDESCO 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.

“In achieving this license we want to thank Lydia Sarfati, CIDESCO Section USA chairperson, for her insights and passion not only in knowing the importance of this brand for America's salon and spa community, but also for having the passion and heart to fight for its recognition in the USA,"  Paul Dykstra, CEO of Cosmetologists Chicago / American Association for Esthetics, says. “Our organization has for more than 100 years strived to elevate the stature of all salon professionals including estheticians, massage therapists and nail technicians. We intend to nurture the CIDESCO Section USA to become a true status symbol of excellence for all beauty therapists in the United States.”

 CIDESCO Section USA will focus on three elements of activity in the coming years:

• Certification of American salons and spas that meet the stringent CIDESCO requirements to ensure consumer safety;

• Creating an online learning curriculum for individual licensed estheticians that will enable them to sit for the CIDESCO International examination and on passing become a CIDESCO Diplomat;

• Develop and expand CIDESCO Section USA affiliate program for manufacturers who support the goals of the CIDESCO organization.

Lydia Sarfati, CIDESCO Section USA chair noted, “With this new affiliation with Cosmetologists Chicago, we look forward to a new era of expansion for CIDESCO Section USA, as well as the continuation of the consumer protection, standards development and elevation of the stature of licensed and future professionals in the United States that this global organization has provided for decades. 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.”

“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 added. “We will assist manufacturers to both understand and to embrace the CIDESCO worldwide benchmark.”

 CIDESCO Section USA has offered educational tracks during the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa Conference (IECSC) Florida (Ft. Lauderdale), The International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE) in Long Beach, and America’s Beauty Show (Chicago). CIDESCO Section USA educational tracks will be offered at IESCS Las Vegas, June 2017. USA salon and spa professionals who have earned the prestigious CIDESCO Diplomate honor are invited to update their profiles at AmericasBeautyShow.com/CIDESCOUSA.