A Leading Holistic Facialist Takes Us Through Her Wellness Toolkit

My mornings start with a mug of lemon and ginger tea. I’ll add a splash of apple cider vinegar, which is great for the gut. I might also have a bulletproof coffee with MCT oil, depending on my mood. MCT oil is a unique form of fat that instantly converts into fuel in the body, rather than being stored as fat, aiding focus and cognitive function and improving insulin sensitivity.

I practise intermittent fasting. I’ve done so for years – for me it’s a great way to reduce inflammation, improve brain health, kickstart cellular repair, and reduce the risk of chronic illness like cancer and type 2 diabetes. I eat breakfast later in the morning – typically eggs with organic olive oil that I bring back from Istria where I am from. I’ll also make a cold-pressed green juice with parsley, lime, ginger and celery, and eat natto a couple of times a week. Natto is a fermented soybean condiment that’s incredibly nutritious and full of protein, which is great for skin health. I buy it from the Japan Centre.

Meditation sets me up for the day. I’ve been practising transcendental meditation – a mantra-based form of meditation – for years. I do this for 20 minutes followed by a gratitude practice. Before I shower, I dry body brush for two minutes, which is a proven way to kickstart lymph flow, remove toxins, and improve circulation and energy. The lymphatic system is so important – it’s a central part of your immune system as it produces a unique type of white blood cell that protects the body from bacteria and viruses. It also keeps fluid levels in balance, so it’s important to give it some TLC. At the very least, you should be body brushing twice a week.

Qigong is a unique form of movement. A meditative practice, it brings together gentle movement with breathing techniques. An integral part of traditional Chinese medicine, it helps to support the flow of energy in the body. I work a lot with my hands and in a sitting position throughout the day, so need the flow in my body.

I eat with the seasons. I try to avoid food shopping in mainstream supermarkets and prefer to support local businesses and markets. Every week, without fail, I buy a ton of seasonal vegetables, eggs, limes, ginger, psyllium husk and Vichy Catalan salt water. I snack on seasonal berries and nuts daily, and can’t be without my mid-morning matcha, which I also buy from the Japan Centre. My go-to lunch if I’m working from home is a bowl of grains, seasonal greens and rocket with grilled salmon. 

Dairy can trigger inflammation in the skin. If you’re intolerant to dairy, it can manifest as rosacea and acne as well as dark circles, breakouts and a dull complexion. If I do have dairy, it’s goat’s or sheep’s cheese, and I sometimes buy raw milk if I fancy a milky coffee. Be careful when choosing a plant-based milk as many contain rapeseed oil, which can be even more inflammatory than dairy itself. Coconut milk is my top choice if you’re looking for a dairy alternative.

Green tea can help control sugar cravings. I’m a big fan of green tea and drink it daily. It’s also essential if you experience regular sugar cravings. The antioxidants in green tea can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.

I’m fascinated by supplements. I’m always researching and adding new formulas to my regime. While I take a food-first approach to nutrition, the right supplements can give the body a helping hand. Daily, I take liposomal vitamin C, vitamin D, omega-3 and magnesium glycinate, as well as my own Vico Skin supplements, which have everything you need for glowing skin. Nutrients like spermidine and NAC aren’t well known but are fast becoming my go-to supplements and ones I recommend to my clients. Spermidine has potent anti-ageing properties (natto is high in spermidine) and suppresses inflammation, supports liver function and kickstarts cell regeneration. NAC, meanwhile, is an incredible antioxidant that promotes tissue repair and controls cortisol levels. I’ll also have an NAD+ IV drip every couple of months and take melatonin to aid sleep.

Too much cardio can cause inflammation in the body. When I was younger, I used to be obsessed with HIIT and high-intensity cardio but have since learnt that my body thrives on lower-impact forms of movement like Pilates, swimming and walking. Cardio just doesn’t work for my body. Plus, excessive cardio puts stress on joints and bones, and can lead to fat loss in the face, which can accelerate ageing. Nothing beats a class at Heartcore in Bayswater. 

Breathwork helps me unwind. I practise Wim Hof breathing in between clients and love reading a book in the evening, even if it’s something light-hearted – I try not to think too seriously. To me, being healthy means looking after myself physically, spiritually and mentally.

I take my sleep seriously. I have a strict no-phones in the bedroom rule and use an infrared lamp for 20 minutes before bed to regulate my circadian rhythm. I use Beurer’s infrared lamp – it’s great for targeted support with issues like inflamed sinuses or back pain. I also use a grounding sheet – a cotton sheet that has conductive carbon or silver threads woven into it. The idea is to replicate the connection you’d get by walking barefoot on the ground. This connection allows electrons to flow from the earth into your body to reduce stress and support the nervous system. It can also help to regulate your day-night cortisol rhythm. 

Nothing beats a massage. I have regular massages with a brilliant therapist called Moon. I’ve been seeing her for the last ten years – she knows my body and instinctively understands what I need. When it comes to spas, I love the Russian Banya in Old Street and try and go once a month. When I’m in LA, I always head straight to the Korean spa – I wish someone would open that kind of haven here in London. 

For more from Jasmina or to book an appointment, visit VicoSkin.com