Lydia Sarfati, chair of CIDESCO USA and founder & CEO of skincare company Repêchage, has partnered with the Bellus Academy to launch CIDESCO USA's first qualification.

Sarfati officially launched the skincare and aesthetician certificate on 23 and 24 January, alongside the aesthetic faculty members and students at Bellus' San Diego campus.

She said: "After more than four decades in the skincare industry, I continue to be inspired by the opportunities it presents to blend my passion for beauty, science and therapeutic treatments."

"And I'm equally inspired to help the next generation of spa professionals at Bellus Academy help their clients achieve their skincare goals," Sarfati added.

Lynelle Lynch, owner of Bellus Academy, stated that the college's aesthetician programme plays a major part in the academy's professional portfolio.

"Bellus alumni regularly return for advanced education as their careers evolve," she said. "Our alumni were very excited to return to campus and learn from a legend in the skincare community as we celebrate being the first CIDESCO USA school."

Established in 2018 at the American Beauty Show, CIDESCO USA is the US arm of standards setter CIDESCO.

Paul Dykstra, president of CIDESCO USA and CEO of Cosmetologists Chicago, said: "CIDESCO is recognised around the globe as the 'gold standard' when it comes to aesthetic excellence. Bellus Academy's reputation as a destination school for skincare makes it the natural school partner as CIDESCO brings these credentials to America."