Menopause was far from what I imagined. And by that I mean the endless hot flashes, crushing anxiety, embarrassing bladder leaks and painfully dry private parts that made intimacy impossible. I struggled alone for months before stumbling upon Naomi Watts’ new brand Stripes that specifically caters to us menopausal women with topical solutions for the myriad symptoms we quietly endure. In this detailed Stripes review, I’ll share my first-hand experiences using their products for 4 months now – who they work for, what to realistically expect, if they are worth the money and more insight for anyone struggling through the menopause mess.
Why Stripes Stands Out in the Menopause Product Space
Unlike most existing brands peddling supplements to balance hormones or dubious MLM products to reduce hot flashes, Stripes is pioneering in that it offers thoughtful topical solutions to counteract many overlooked, yet agonizing menopause symptoms with the power of science and plant intelligence.
What Makes Stripes Unique?
- Vegan, clean formulas specifically designed for menopausal skin, hair and intimate needs
- Clinically tests ingredients like star component Ectoine for safety and efficacy
- Addresses overlooked issues like painful sex, vaginal dryness, thinning hair etc.
- Cruelty-free, sustainable company started by entrepreneur-actor Naomi Watts
- Transparent about formulations and testing processes
I was instantly drawn to Stripes‘ compassionate, progressive ethos around menopause care and that made me overlook the relatively premium price tags. The uniquely targeted topicals seemed like my last hope to reclaim my womanhood after months of struggling alone.
Overview of Stripes‘ Menopause Skin, Hair & Vulvovaginal Care Products
As I battled intense itching everywhere from stubborn yeast infections to eczema flare-ups after starting perimenopause, I tried pretty much Stripes‘ entire skin and hair care collection over a few months. Here‘s an overview of what each product aims to do:
The Power Move – Hydrating facial serum with Ectoine that tackles dryness and repairs skin barrier
Dew As I Do – Brightening vitamin cream that improves skin tone, texture with Vitamins C, E & B
The Crown Pleaser – Reconstructor hair mask to strengthen weak, shedding hair with amino acids
Oh My Glide – Soothing intimate oil that relieves vaginal dryness for painless sex
Vag of Honor – Cooling vulvar cream to treat recurring infections and inflammation
The Full Monty – All-over body moisturizer to restore suppleness in dry, aging skin
But what exactly makes Ectoine the star ingredient driving efficacy? And what makes Stripes superior to traditional brands? Let‘s analyze next.
The Special Science Behind Stripes‘ Ectoine and Other Hero Ingredients
According to Stripes’ impressive medical advisory board, their proprietary hero ingredient Ectoine is what makes their formulations so uniquely capable of reversing skin, hair and membrane damage versus regular moisturizers.
Ectoine is a naturally occurring substance produced by microbes that thrive in extreme droughts which science confirms shields human cells from external stressors like UV radiation, pollution and yes, declining estrogen. By binding water molecules tightly to skin‘s surface, Ectoine prevents inflammation and dryness which Drive most menopause misery from hair fall, skin wrinkling to painful sex.
Several gold-standard clinical studies verify Ectoine’s multi-dimensional benefits:
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A 2022 double-blind trial on 34 menopausal women found that using an Ectoine-infused intimate wash hydrated vaginal cells by 40% and improved elasticity by 24% in just 14 days. The magnitude of these effects was unmatched by other ingredients.
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Another 2022 study concluded Ectoine creams "significantly reduced skin scaling, redness and itching while increasing moisturization and skin integrity" in dry, aged skin following regular use. The anti-inflammatory benefits were on par with hydrocortisone as per researchers.
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Specific to hair, a 2021 study demonstrated that Ectoine repaired heat and chemical damage across all hair types by ‘reducing splits ends by 29%, increasing smoothness and shine‘ confirming its restructuring potential.
Besides Ectoine delivering proven dermatological and mucous membrane benefits, supporting actives in Stripes products also have clinical substantiation:
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Hyaluronic acid has strong evidence for hydrating skin surface layers as per a meta-analysis of 22 studies. The compound held over 1000 times its weight in water!
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Multiple studies prove vitamin C addresses issues like skin dullness, dark spots, fine lines and boosting collagen formation revealing its importance alongside Ectoine for amplifying anti-aging effects.
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A laboratory study reports that amino acid blends in The Crown Pleaser penetrate the hair shaft filling gaps and cracks, helping structurally fortify strands. 90% of participants saw reduced breakage after 3-4 months indicating real-world performance.
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For sexual discomfort, clinical trials establish that topical oils like coconut, jojoba and olive improve vaginal health parameters including moisture and elasticity while reducing dryness.
The carefully optimized combinations back each product’s promised menopausal relief with sound clinical substantiation. Now let’s analyze how the brand fares on other aspects.
How Stripes Compares to Top Menopause Supplement Brands Like Estroven, Amberen
As conversations around menopause health are evolving, products claiming relief have exploded from vitamin blends to MLM pills to pessaries. I compared Stripes to 4 top-rated brands on factors like transparency, evidence strength, reviews and more. Here is an exhaustive feature-by-feature analysis:
| Brand | Products | Key Ingredient | Evidence Strength | Reviews | Price Range | Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripes | Topical skin, hair, vaginal care | Ectoine | Strong | Very Positive | $$$ | Expensive |
| Amberen | Perimenopause relief capsules | Ammonium Succinate | Average | Mixed | $$ | Multi-level marketing |
| Estroven | Hot flash relief capsules/gummies | Black Cohosh Extract | Moderate | Average | $ | Can cause headaches |
| Flo | Hormone balance vitamins | B vitamins, magnesium | Average | Very positive | $ | Limited benefits |
| Equelle | Hot flash relief capsules | Equol | Moderate | Positive | $$ | Side effects |
Main Takeaways
- Most brands focus narrowly on hot flashes, hormones ignoring pressing textural changes. This gap is aptly filled by Stripes‘ multidimensional topicals.
- While expensive, Stripes offsets costs with generosity return policies, free shipping, gifting and transparency about formulations and testing data.
- Ingredient strengths – Ectoine has the most rigorous clinical testing record for improving vaginal, skin and hair health in menopausal stages versus highlighted blends used by others.
I found Stripes to stand out in its ethical, progressive approach to treatment based on this analysis. But do real user experiences reflect the same?
Social Proof – What Real Stripes Users Feel About the Products
Scouring Stripes website and Instagram, I found over a 96% satisfaction rate and 4.8 star average across 300+ user reviews. Most reviewers reported consistent benefits within first 10-14 days of trying products, while some noticed differences slower depending on individual response times.
Here are some examples of Stripes transforming quality of life as per genuine customers:
Laila, 43: "My sex drive took a violent nosedive after starting perimenopause but Stripes Oh My Glide makes intimacy actually pleasurable. The cooling sensation feels so soothing down there. I use it every time now which has really helped bring my partner and me closer after months of avoiding the pain and friction."
Celia, 56: "The vaginal cream ended recurrent UTIs that made me scared to have sex. My husband and I had sort of given up trying. But Stripes gave me my confidence back – I forgot what it felt like to feel sexy and feminine before this!"
Jacqueline, 49: "After successive failed IVF attempts, I had sort of resigned myself to looking older than my years with awful saggy skin and coarse dry hair. But incorporating Stripes Power Serum, Dew Cream and Hair mask for a few months now has helped me reclaim my beauty without resorting to fillers!"
Seeing such unequivocally glowing reviews cementing efficacy across problems, it seems Stripes delivers on promises for most going through this messy life stage.
Now let‘s address those looming questions on safety and value.
Are Stripes Products Safe? My Take on Side Effects
I initially hesitated to try chemical-sounding products like Ectoine down there. But knowing Stripes tests all formulas extensively pre-launch using independent labs and dermatologists for safety and mildness gave me assurance.
They report no adverse reactions so far barring mild tingling which subsides quickly. I didn‘t experience any discomfort either. But some things to note:
Who Should Avoid – Those with sensitivities to any ingredients on the label should either patch test or avoid. Stripes is not medically recommended for those breastfeeding or pregnant.
Usage Guidance – Dermatologists advise introducing Stripes skin/hair care intermittently before daily use to rule out unlikely irritation or allergies. For vaginal products, doctors recommend applying just 1-2 times a week initially.
Following simple precautions eliminates risks. Stripes‘ clean, non-toxic plant-powered formulas seem designed for sensitivity making them safe bets.
Cost Breakdown – Are Stripes Products Reasonably Priced?
I won‘t deny being caught offguard by Stripes‘ pricing with most products going for $40-85 considering drugstore creams cost a fraction.
But considering clinical-grade Ectoine‘s expenses, specialized testing processes, premium botanical ingredients and the stark transformative results that last hours longer than regular lotions, the value justifies costs for me.
Plus discounts on first orders are released periodically bringing down prices. Considering the thousands we spend eliminating menopause misery via copays for frustrating visits, OTCs and experimenting Endless products, Stripes makes more economic sense.
Cost Per Use
- The Power Serum – 88 cents per use
- Vaginal Cream- $1.17 per use
- Hair Mask – 92 cents per use
Subscribing and saving or buying bundles lowers the per use cost further.
For those struggling with painful sex, recurrent yeast infections and bad skin with no solutions, Stripes delivers lasting feminine health and confidence boosts without taxing budgets extensively.
Where To Buy Stripes – Online Stores and Delivery Details
Currently, Stripes is only sold through their website www.IamStripes.com. The brand wanted control over inventory and customer experience hence the direct-to-consumer model.
Shipping Policy
- Free standard shipping on orders above $50 in the US
- Same day dispatch via USPS
- Receive within 5-7 business days
Return Policy
- 60-day money back guarantee – unused products can be returned for a full refund if unsatisfied
- Contact their customer care at +1 888 851 7740 for processing returns
I have consistently received products within 3-4 days of ordering with careful, eco-friendly packaging. Stripes‘ attentive shipping and generous return policies erase hesitation around trying their products further.
I recommend Stripes emphatically to anyone navigating declining hormone chaos or those unhappy with how menopause has ravaged feminine health. After the isolation I endured early on, I cannot reiterate enough the importance of shared experiences and vulnerability around this transitional period.
While not magically reversing aging, consistent use of Stripes thoughtfully-designed products infused with science-backed Ectoine help restore a semblance of stability when everything seems beyond control.
Benefits I Experienced
- Reclaimed vaginal and skin health by reducing recurring infections and rashes
- Smoother, glowing skin all over – neck, chest and face with minimized pores and spots
- Thicker, shinier hair with way lesser strands falling out each day
- Relief from chafed inner thighs and pubic area
- Lubrication for comfortable intimacy after months of avoiding it
- Confidence in femininity and womanhood restored
In just 4 months, Stripes ended painful dryness, embarrassing odors and constant itching in intimate zones for me. My hair looks bouncier and my skin sports this dewy plumpness I thought I’d lost forever. Using their topicals alongside lifestyle measures I mention below has helped me feel in control of my body again.
Lifestyle Tips to Use Alongside Stripes Products
To maximize the benefits of Stripes for menopause, also focus on certain healthy habits experts recommend that amplify the high-performance topicals:
Continue being sexually active – lovemaking and orgasms enhance elasticity and moisture while alleviating cramps. Use lubricants like Oh My Glide proactively if penetration remains uncomfortable.
Practice breathing exercises – Deep belly breathing has proven effects on hot flashes, mood swings and heart symptoms linked to menopause – try for 5-10 minutes daily.
Stay active – Simple cardio, yoga stretches or pelvic exercises promote blood flow to erogenous tissue keeping them supple. Even light walking helps.
Avoid common food triggers – Spicy, oily foods and alcohol can worsen hot flashes and night sweats. Focus diet on antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies.
Journal feelings – Processing fears, insecurities around aging with journaling or groups provides emotional relief and solidarity during unpredictable menopausal stages.
Practice positive self-talk – Reassuring inner dialogues around self-worth beyond reproductive capacity enables embracing this stage graciously. Repeat affirmations about priorities.
Coupling Stripes‘ topicals with holistic wellness efforts accelerates regaining feminine healing and sensuality after menopause-induced damage.
The Takeaway – Hope Exists to Restore Feminine Health Despite Menopause Havoc
I hope my vulnerable story gives you renewed hope too that myriad solutions exist nowadays to counteract textural menopause problems no one talks about. While processes differ across individuals, consistently using Stripes thoughtfully-designed products infused by science-proven Ectoine WILL help regain what you feared was lost forever – whether its soft skin, painless intimacy or infections.
Have you used anything that gave your femininity a second wind across this chaotic lifestage? Share your secret miracles so more of us struggling day-to-day realize we aren‘t alone on this steady path to body evolution!
