One (massive) part of a skincare routine we often neglect? Body care products. Yes, we’ll stock up on lotion or body oil, but what about body tools? They can push you over the edge into muscle-relaxed bliss, releasing tension without a professional massage. Intrigued? Check out my top three body tool products picks.
This post is partially sponsored by Wildling, a skincare brand that values sustainability and respect for the planet. As always, The New Knew only works with brands who we trust are making the world a better place.
Body tools are something that can feel a little indulgent and extra at times but when I actually make time for them, I’m like dannnnnnng, why don’t I do this more often? Happens every single time.
But body tools are not only just a feel good practice. They can actually help to support overall wellness too. Choose a tool that satisfies your goals whether that’s to relieve pain, boost circulation, support the lymphatic system, exfoliate or just even just to relax.
These are some of my faves.
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1. Wildling Aura Body Gua Sha Stone | $65
Wildling is a skincare brand centered on the benefits of Gua Sha. Gua Sha, sometimes called coining, spooning or scraping, has been used for centuries in Asia and is now practiced more globally.
I’ve had a professional Gua Sha treatment on my face and the results were visually stunning (nevermind all the internal benefits). BUT I’ve never gotten a professional Gua Sha treatment done on my body. Hello #TNKbucketlist
Gua Sha practiced on the body can aid in the treatment of pain for functional problems with impaired movement, the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many acute or chronic disorders [1].
It’s also been shown to improve surface blood circulation, having an anti-inflammatory and immune stimulation effect on the body [2].
It also just feels really good.
But not all Gua Sha stones are created equal. They come in different shapes, sizes and materials. I love the Wildling Aura Stone because there are so many curves, angles and textures to this stone, I can pretty much manipulate it to get it to do whatever I want.
For example, I love using it to take down pressure points (like the ones I get in my neck ALL THE TIME), target and massage sore spots (like my forearms from typing too much) and to stimulate circulation (like around the new muscles I just found in my legs now that I’ve taken up tennis).
I’m telling you, when I find that pressure point in my neck, I could sit there all day working it out…feels so good.
Also, Wilding’s Gua Shas are made from Bian stone, which Wildling explains “is an amalgamate of 40+ minerals known for their healing properties.”
Let me also say, there is a big difference between the benefits listed above that can be achieved via professional Gua Sha and what I can actually do on my own—lol. Either way, using this stone makes my body feel good and I love keeping it on my desk to use throughout the day.
Nicolle agrees: “It’s my go-to for helping to prevent migraines. A couple of strokes up the back of my neck and over the crown of my head can make a huge difference between a headache and a head-pounding migraine. Two thumbs up.”
2. Jenny Patkintin’s Rose on Rose Body Roller | $125
I’m not even going to front. I freaking love this tool. I got it as a press sample and let me be honest. I opened this up like, This is so extra. Why would anyone spend $125 on a body roller like this when a foam roller or a lacrosse ball is way more accessible?
Then I used it and I fell to the ground like Rich Vera just laid his hands on me. And I didn’t stop rolling…it just felt SO GOOD.
This tool is less of a therapeutic tool and more of a gentle, feel-good tool IMO. Jenny says rolling can “aid with the relaxation of tight or strained muscles, help reduce inflammation/fluid retention in the skin tissue, improve circulation and reduce overall stress.”
Honestly, I didn’t care what she said, I was hooked from all the feels—so much so, I immediately gave one to my sister and had a sample sent to Nicolle too (and Nicolle’s husband is even on board who has chronic muscle tightness in his legs from an old injury). We’re all SOLD.
Why am I sweating this tool so hard? It’s basically tailor made for me. I do hot yoga 1-2x a week (or try to) and after vinyasa-ing 1000x, running this tool in that spot where my arms meet my shoulder is IT. It also feels amazing on my chest after doing all those high planks. (I’m like, Taylor, a little less double chaturanga and a little more savasana—lol).
Also feels amazing on my forearms, calves, FEET, back (if I can get someone to do it for me). 100% recommend.
3. The Detox Market’s Body Brush | $18
Question. Why do all body brushes feel like I am stabbing myself with a porcupine?! Lol.
And if you are like, Wait? What’s dry brushing? It’s essentially what it sounds like: the practice of running a dry brush all over your bare skin.
There doesn’t seem to be much (in terms of scientific studies) published on the internet regarding the benefits of dry brushing BUT one of the benefits that I can see with my own eyes is exfoliation—have you ever tried dry brushing your feet? Wow.
Of course, several practitioners I follow and learn from like Julie Clark, founder of Province Apothecary, talk all about the additional benefits, which include lymphatic support, improved circulation, detoxification and more. She has been practicing dry brushing on her clients for years and has seen visible results.
I specifically like this brush because it’s made with sustainable bamboo and has a long handle, so you can actually brush your entire body including your back. Not to mention, it’s more accessible for people who can not bend over as well or who have less dexterity.
RELATED: Clean beauty trends.
Do you have a favorite body tool?
TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
References:
1. Nielsen, Arya; Kaptchuk, Ted J.; Gua Sha, A Traditional Technique for Modern Practice; Second edition, 2013; https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780702031083/gua-sha#book-description
2. Arya Nielsen, PhD; The Science of Gua Sha; Pacific College of Health and Medicine; https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/press-releases/2015/05/05/the-science-of-gua-sha