Photographed by Ben Sullivan
This has been the year for subtle tweak-ments — Sanja Maria Founder of Face by SM knows all too well.
The chic cosmetic clinic in inner Sydney, Sanja Maria’s Face by SM is a standing booking in the diaries of career women and A-listers.
“We focus on advanced skin health and non-surgical aesthetic treatments with a very personalised approach,” the clinic founder tells marie claire. “Every face, skin type and ageing process is different, so treatments are tailored according to the individual.”
“We combine medical-grade technology, long-term treatment planning, and a luxury patient experience to create results that look refined, healthy, natural and not overdone.”
Ahead, we ask her what’s new in the world of skin glow-ups.
What treatments are Face by SM known for?
“Advanced skin rejuvenation, such as CO₂ laser resurfacing, and combination treatment planning,” she explains. “Treatments focused on skin firming, laser resurfacing, collagen stimulation, and overall skin quality have become a huge part of the Face by SM identity. A lot of our patients come to us wanting noticeable results while still looking like themselves.”
“For first-time clients, I recommend starting with a comprehensive consultation and skin analysis. We usually focus first on improving overall skin quality and skin health, as this creates the best long-term foundation,” she went on to say.
“A customised facial treatment is often the ideal starting point, as it allows us to deeply cleanse, properly assess and better understand the skin and how it responds to professional treatment. From there, our team can create a more tailored and strategic long-term plan.”
“I never want patients to feel like they are being sold to or over-treated. Long-term trust, integrity and relationships will always matter more than trends or quick results,” she explains.
What are the best skin treatments of 2026?
“One of our newest additions is an advanced non-invasive treatment platform designed to support skin firming, contouring, collagen stimulation, and overall rejuvenation. The technology has gained strong recognition globally, particularly with Korean celebrities who like it for its focus on refined, non-surgical skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime,” Sanja Maria tells us.
“As we age, collagen loss impacts everything from skin quality to firmness and overall structure. So treatments that support collagen production in a controlled and customised way can create incredibly natural, long-term improvements,” she shares.
What are your expert tips for better skin in 2026?
“[Stop] over-treating and constantly chasing social media trends and quick fixes. Not every treatment is right for every person, and more is not always better,” she warns. “Focus instead on your long-term skin health and achieving natural, balanced results.”
“Investing in skin earlier rather than waiting until concerns become more advanced. Prevention and maintenance always create better long-term outcomes,” the Face by SM founder shares. “I also think people should focus on finding experienced practitioners who understand skin, facial anatomy, and long-term treatment planning.”
“Consistency over intensity. Healthy skin is built through long-standing habits, commitment and prevention,” says Sanja Maria. “Investing in skin early, protecting the skin barrier, wearing sunscreen daily, and choosing treatments that support collagen and skin quality make the biggest difference. Daily SPF – always. It’s one of the most important things you can do for skin health and ageing prevention.”
What are your favourite ways to glow up that aren’t cosmetic?
“Back yourself. A lot of growth comes from trusting your instincts, taking risks and learning through experience. I think confidence comes later, when you realise you are capable of far more than you originally thought.”
Main image credit: Ben Sullivan
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
The Peptide Boom: Why This Ingredient Is Taking Over
Native ad body.
