![si_cidesco_lead_51917](https://img.skininc.com/files/base/allured/all/image/2017/05/si.si_cidesco_lead_51917.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=700)
CIDESCO USA has acknowledged the passing of Margrit Altenburg of the Institute of Cosmetology & Esthetics (IC&E) in Houston, TX.
![A photo of of Margrit Altenburg](https://img.skininc.com/files/base/allured/all/image/2017/05/gci.si_cidesco_image1_51917.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max&q=70&w=400)
Margrit Altenburg was instrumental in establishing CIDESCO in the United States. In 1999, Altenburg was named the director of Houston’s The Institute of Cosmetology & Esthetics, where she helped certify instructors with the CIDESCO standard.
“Margrit was a true leader in establishing the credibility and authenticity of CIDESCO in the United States,” said Paul Dykstra, CEO, Cosmetologists Chicago and the American Association for Esthetics. “She was a pioneer in raising the visibility and professionalism of skin care and esthetics in our country. She will certainly be missed for her energetic support of CIDESCO USA.”