Photography: Dave Wheeler / Styling: Laura Stanton
Since first opening her salon doors in 2017, dermal therapist Diandra Politano has seen her books steadily filled with devoted clients, including VIPs and beauty editors, and has become one of Sydney’s go-to aestheticians, with a Dior beauty title to her name.
AT A GLANCE
- The space: Diandra Politano skin sanctuary in Balmain, Sydney.
- The brief: “I wanted it to feel calming and understated, like a clinic was just dropped into a Parisian apartment,” explains Diandra.
- The team: Architecture and interior design by Stanton Architects.
After three years of a dreamlike ascent, it was time for a larger location. “I had outgrown the old space creatively and practically,” she explains. “I wanted somewhere with more room to expand our treatment offering, host wellness events and create a more elevated client journey.”
It was love at first sight when Diandra walked into a building in Balmain that had the calm energy she’d been searching for. “I fell in love with the history and character,” she says. “It’s a heritage building with the most beautiful bones, original sandstone, incredible high ceilings and so much natural light.” The plan was to massage the interiors, making over the site to feel like “a Parisian-inspired apartment” and “somewhere people could instantly exhale when they walked in”.
As a long-time friend and client of Diandra’s, Laura Stanton from Stanton Architects understood the vision completely. “We previously designed her first clinic,” shares Laura. “When she secured this new heritage site, we saw an opportunity to elevate the experience for her clients to an entirely new level.”
“Soft fabrics, curved joinery and concealed lighting create a cocooning, refined atmosphere”
Laura Stanton, architect
The project came with what some might see as limitations as far as what council would allow to be changed, but Laura only saw positives. “Existing sandstone walls, timber floors and architectural features became central to the design,” she enthuses. The environment also had to function at a high level, accommodating advanced skin and laser treatments, while maintaining an atmosphere of relaxation.
“Soundproofing was a huge priority,” explains Diandra. “I wanted every treatment room to feel peaceful and removed from the outside world, like you’re the only client there.” Lighting needed to perform well for clinical treatments, while remaining soft and ambient at other times. “It’s about crafting a multi-sensory journey – considering light, acoustics, scent, tactility and spatial sequencing,” adds Laura.
The fit-out was led by Impression Projects, with every detail contributing to the immersive result, from textured paint to a custom Murano glass chandelier. “I sourced this piece during a trip to Italy while construction was underway and it became the final element to be installed. Although slightly delayed, it was absolutely worth the wait,” says Laura.
The haven exceeds the expectations of Diandra – and her clients. “People actually gasp when they walk in around sundown,” she says. “It’s just so beautiful at that time.”
The treatments behind Diandra Politano’s cult following
Called the “skin whisperer” by Vogue Australia, Diandra is known for combining traditional hands-on facial techniques with newer clinical technology. Holistic methods meet high-tech and hardcore results, making the world-class facialist highly sought out by those in the know.
When the aesthetician was tapped for her role as the local skin expert for Dior, beauty editor Emily Algar wrote for Grazia that the dermal therapist’s “ethos is one that marries luxury with efficacy”, making it a natural partnership.
A perfect match, also, for celebrities who work with the high-end beauty brand, including actor Alycia Debnam-Carey of hit shows such as Apple Cider Vinegar and The Lost Flowers Of Alice Hart. The Aussie and international star told Elle Australia she had seen Diandra for a facial to prep and hydrate her skin the day before her cover shoot for a 2025 issue of Elle.
Other clients include Marie Claire editor Georgie McCourt. “One of my favourite places to go is Diandra Politano’s clinic in Sydney for her bespoke facial,” she shared in July 2025, shortly after the launch of the new Balmain salon.
With a long list of beauty editors and big names on her books, it’s no surprise the dermal therapist actually closed her books at one point. “Being booked out is by far the most rewarding and challenging thing,” she told Spa+Clinic when she was in her previous Balmain space and didn’t have a big enough team to meet the demand. “I eventually realised I had no other choice because my schedule was so full a year ahead.”
If you’re lucky enough to get in, the Bespoke Facial is a go-to treatment, tailored to a client’s skin type and concerns. It includes gentle lymphatic drainage, a peel or enzyme treatment, steam, extraction, facial massage using acupressure and contouring techniques, a custom hydrating mask and a deep-tissue shoulder massage. Light therapy can be added.
Lymphatic drainage is the buzz word in beauty right now and Diandra caters to this, with a Lymphatic Body Ritual, available as a 60- or 90-minute treatment. It’s a gentle, rhythmic treatment focused on the legs, arms, stomach, chest and shoulders, or full body, aiming to stimulate lymph flow and reduce fluid retention.
A more clinical treatment is the Rationale Facial, which is exclusive to Diandra’s clinic. It combines a deep cleanse, enzyme treatment, vitamin infusion, facial massage and LED light therapy. Then there’s the Vita-Fusion Facial, using low-frequency ultrasound to help infuse selected active ingredients into the skin. So there’s really the full spectrum.
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