Historically, women have dealt with menopause symptoms in silence, often due to stigma, but primarily because the male-dominated medical community largely ignored both the study and treatment of this natural life phase. According to the 2024 State of Menopause study by Bonafide, a women’s supplements company, 36% of women report receiving conflicting advice from different healthcare professionals and 56% of women have been convinced they should “just deal with” their menopause symptoms.
But the report also found that “declining menopause stigma is raising the bar for healthcare education.” Naomi Watts aims to be a leader of this movement. The actress is founder of Stripes Beauty, a line of wellness products focused on helping women address hormonal changes.
She launched Stripes Beauty in 2022 as a pro-aging beauty and wellness platform to help women in menopause via education, community, and science-backed solutions.
Watts is now making her venture take new steps to not only make menopause care mainstream, but an empowering and aspirational experience. Stripes is teaming up with The Spa by Equinox Hotels to create a comprehensive spa treatment, thoughtfully curated in-room offerings, as well as retail offerings at the New York property’s hotel spas. This partnership, launched just last month, addresses the multifaceted physical and emotional needs of women through perimenopause and menopause, according to Watts.
The brands are partnering to launch an innovative spa treatment circuit, called Pause + Renew, an immersive 2.5-3 hour spa circuit that combines advanced therapies with Stripes Beauty’s science-backed products to support renewal and hydration, while fostering renewal and relaxation.
While the entire spa circuit is priced at $825 depending on add-on treatments, Stripes products are priced at $25 to $85. “Everyone deserves the chance to feel revitalized, no matter where they are in their life journey,” says Watts. She says this Equinox partnership is not only a luxury branding play for Stripes but a key to transforming the narrative around menopause care altogether.
“This circuit is designed to change the conversation around menopause by giving it the same level of care, innovation, and luxury that we apply to every other stage of life for women,” says Watts.
According to Ara Patterson, Vice President of Spa, Food & Beverage at Equinox Hotels, the Pause + Renew treatment is more than just a spa treatment. “It’s intended as a catalyst for longer-term well-being,” says Patterson. “By raising awareness of hormonal health and the benefits of key ingredients, the circuit empowers women to make informed choices about their skincare and lifestyle.”
The Pause + Renew circuit aims to deliver in three key areas:
Enhanced Skin Rejuvenation: The Dr. Devgan facial, with its potent ingredients, works in tandem with the Icoone lymphatic drainage to promote collagen production, improve skin texture, and restore radiance.
Improved Lymphatic Function and Detoxification: The Icoone treatment supports lymphatic drainage, aiding in detoxification and hormonal balance, which complements the internal support provided by the CoQ10 booster.
Increased Energy and Well-being: The CoQ10 booster provides a vital energy boost, addressing common symptoms like fatigue and mood swings, while also supporting overall cellular health.
While individual treatments offer distinct advantages, experiencing the entire circuit maximizes these benefits.
Stripes’ signature products have also debuted in Equinox Hotels’ in-room amenities and retail—Stripes’ first debut for in-hotel offerings.
Here Watts and Patterson discuss this partnership and how it’s designed to empower all women, whether they ever get to experience the luxurious treatment or not.
How does this 2.5 hour circuit treatment help de-stigmatize the conversation around and experience of perimenopause and menopause?
Naomi Watts, Founder of Stripes Beauty: By combining high-tech, results-driven therapies with science-backed products, we’re not just addressing the physical symptoms of menopause – we’re also creating a space where women feel seen, supported and celebrated. Through this partnership, we hope to encourage open dialogue and make self-care during menopause both accessible and indulgent.
Can guests spread the different treatments across their stay or do all treatments have to be taken in one 2.5 to 3-hour visit?
Naomi Watts, Founder of Stripes Beauty: The Pause + Renew circuit is carefully designed as a 2.5 hour immersive experience, meant to be completed in one visit. Each treatment builds on the next, creating a seamless, restorative journey that maximizes the benefits of each step.
Ara Patterson, Vice President of Spa + Food & Beverage at Equinox Hotels: Beyond our hotel guests, our spa enjoys a strong local following. We suggest the ‘Pause + Renew’ circuit be experienced in the recommended sequence to maximize its synergistic benefits.However, clients may elect to spread the treatments across multiple days, much like choosing to schedule a facial and massage on separate occasions.
Why is the entire circuit recommended? Can guests opt for one of the four treatments or does it have to be the whole package?
Watts: While individual treatments are available, the true magic happens when they are experienced together. “The ‘Pause + Renew’ circuit is intentionally designed as a comprehensive, stacked experience to deliver optimal and synergistic benefits. By combining these treatments, we address the multifaceted changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause, including enhanced skin rejuvenation, improved lymphatic function and detoxification and increased energy levels.
Tell us more about the individual treatments and how they promote health / address concerns for women in menopause?
Watts: We designed each treatment to play a key role in promoting health and addressing common menopause-related concerns. The treatment includes the Stripes Beauty Hydration and Sculpt Therapy with Icoone Roboderm. This body-shaping therapy uses advanced technology to firm the skin in tandem with The Full Monty from Stripes Beauty, to address common menopause symptoms including skin laxity and decreased circulation. The combination of the sculpt therapy and hydrating Vitamin C oil boosts immunity, supports digestion, and helps detoxify the body, all of which are critical as hormonal changes affect various bodily systems during menopause.
Dr. Lara Devgan Dermal Renewal Facial is a 90-minute facial that revives the skin, while also addressing common issues women face during menopause, such as dryness and loss of elasticity. It includes a scalp massage with Stripes Beauty’s The Root of It densifying serum to nourish both the hair and scalp, supporting overall hair health and vitality.
The NutriDrip CoQ10 Booster Shot is a quick injection that contains CoQ10, an antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function and promotes energy, to help fight cognitive decline and reduce symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
As a parting gift, we will also be gifting guests a Stripes Beauty’s Vag of Honor, one of our top selling products that provides intimate care to help maintain vaginal health and resolve dryness due to menopausal hormonal shifts. Additionally, Dr. Lara Devgan’s Vermillion Lip Plump gift adds a finishing touch and works wonderfully in combination with Stripes’ skin and hair products.
Can women who aren’t experiencing menopause sign up for these treatments. Is it safe and recommended?
Watts: Absolutely. While the treatments are formulated with perimenopause and menopause in mind, women who aren’t experiencing menopause can certainly benefit from them. With a focus on hydration, skin rejuvenation, and energy-boosting shot, the treatments are safe and beneficial for anyone looking to boost their wellness, energy, and overall relaxation.
Patterson: Yes, while ‘Pause + Renew’ targets perimenopause and menopause symptoms, its individual components offer significant benefits for all women. The lymphatic drainage treatment supports detoxification and overall well-being, to help regulate hormones. The Dr. Devgan facial provides preventative anti-aging benefits, maintaining skin health and vitality. Finally, the CoQ10 booster enhances energy levels, supports muscle function, and may impact fertility, making it a valuable addition for women of all ages. Whether seeking targeted relief or proactive wellness, this program is a powerful investment in overall health at any stage of life.
How does this treatment encourage and promote healthy habits for women long after their visit to the Equinox hotel spa?
Watts: By focusing on hydration, skin renewal, and energy-boosting treatments, we hope this experience serves as a catalyst for long-term wellness habits. It’s not just about feeling good in the moment – this is a holistic experience that leaves you feeling empowered to continue your wellness journey beyond the spa by providing women with the tools and motivation to do so.
Patterson: Pause + Renew is more than just a spa treatment, it’s intended as a catalyst for longer-term well-being. By raising awareness of hormonal health and the benefits of key ingredients, the circuit empowers women to make informed choices about their skincare and lifestyle. The rejuvenating experience, visible results, and energy boost from the CoQ10 shot serve as motivation to prioritize self-care and stay active. And the practical recommendations, including personalized skincare routines and at-home product suggestions, help extend the benefits beyond the spa. Ultimately, this experience fosters a pro-aging mindset and encourages sustainable healthy habits that support women’s well-being long after their visit.”
Naomi, what is your favorite treatment?
Watts: If I had to pick one, my personal favorite is the lymphatic drainage massage featuring the Full Monty. It’s deeply restorative and I always leave feeling recharged and renewed for whatever the day ahead brings me!