ATN tested out Equinox Hotels’ new skincare partnership with aesthetic surgeon Dr. Robert Dorfman, which bridges spa-level treatments and clinical care
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Equinox Hotels is the hospitality arm of Equinox, and at its flagship New York property in Hudson Yards, recovery is a core part of the stay. The hotel spa reflects this intention but is structured around the confluence of wellness and aesthetics.
I went to Equinox Hotel New York to test the new BioRegenesis Collection, developed in partnership with Dr. Robert Dorfman, a Beverly Hills–based aesthetic surgeon who established his reputation in Los Angeles through Done By Dorfman, a practice known for hair restoration and regenerative, anti-aging treatments. The collection takes a protocol-driven, multi-step approach to facials — it includes two facials at The Spa by Equinox Hotels: a 60-minute BioRegenesis Facial and a 90-minute BioRegenesis Facial + Oxylight.
For guests who book the 90-minute facial, the treatment includes a $500 gift certificate to use toward any service at Dr. Dorfman’s New York City clinic, with a higher credit available for Equinox Club members.
I tried both the Equinox Spa BioRegenesis Facial and Dr. Dorfman’s clinic to see how wellness and medical services could work together in the skincare world.
The Equinox BioRegenesis Facial
The 90-minute facial and the spa experience felt like the calmer side of high-performance skincare. The room was quiet, the pacing was slow in a good way, and it had the feeling of a real self-care block rather than a rushed appointment. The aesthetician walked me through every step as we went, which I appreciated because the protocol includes a lot: microneedling, a “salmon DNA infusion,” microcurrent and LED therapy.
Microneedling was the piece I expected to be the most uncomfortable, and it was surprisingly gentle. The service felt controlled and light, more like a mild prickling sensation than anything sharp. Microneedling works by creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger repair and collagen production, which is why it’s often used for texture and overall firmness over time. The “salmon DNA” step is the spa-world shorthand for PDRN-style regenerative ingredients that are meant to support healing and recovery. In this facial, the serum is paired directly with microneedling, using the timing of the treatment to support absorption and skin repair.
“I’m passionate about anti-aging treatments that work with the body, not against it,” Dr. Dorfman told Athletech News. “That’s why I love DNA-based technologies. They are completely natural and among the most powerful collagen builders on the market, while also helping reduce inflammation.”
After the microneedling, the facial shifted into what felt like a tighten-and-calm sequence. Microcurrent is the low-level current step that’s typically used for a more lifted, awake look. I’ve tried at-home microcurrent, but the spa offering was much more impactful, and I saw a noticeable difference in the shape of my face. My aesthetician finally sealed in all the work with hydrating creams, and the facial was immediately impactful: my skin looked smoother, more even, and just healthier.
The next-day recovery was the biggest surprise, as I had minimal redness or irritation.
Dr. Dorfman’s NYC Clinic
About a week later, I visited Dr. Dorfman’s new New York City clinic for a CO2 laser facial. The clinic just opened in New York but was packed with clients. The space itself is beautiful: modern, polished, and new, with design inspiration from its home in Los Angeles.
The CO2 laser portion took about 20 minutes, and, in the moment, at least, it didn’t hurt. The simplest explanation for the service is that the laser is applied across the face to essentially vaporize the top layer of skin in a controlled way, so new skin regenerates as you heal.
“Instead of relying on fillers, I always encourage approaches that stimulate collagen and improve skin over time,” Dr. Dorfman said. “The goal is to enhance what’s already there and help people look like the most natural, best version of themselves.”
My skin was fairly red that night, and applying moisturizer was uncomfortable. I peeled a lot for two to three days, so I wouldn’t schedule it right before anything social. Once the peeling phase ended, my skin looked genuinely transformed. It was brighter, smoother, and more uniform in tone. It was by far the most impactful skincare offering I had ever experienced.
Dr. Dorfman noted the lasting impact of such a service; when I asked him how long I would see results, he said his clients generally notice that their skin looks better for one year. Even weeks after my appointments at both the clinic and the spa, I noticed (as did friends and family) that my entire skin complexion had noticeably changed for the better.
Final Thoughts: Where Wellness Meets Medicine
Taken together, the experience felt like a considered combination of wellness and medical care rather than an attempt to blur the two.
The BioRegenesis 90 Facial at The Spa by Equinox Hotels offered a slower, restorative moment while still delivering visible refinement, with its multi-step protocol. The follow-up visit to Dr. Robert Dorfman’s New York City clinic brought in the medical side, where a CO2 laser treatment provided a more intensive intervention and a noticeable shift in skin texture and clarity.
Overall, I highly recommend the pairing of both services if you want to transform your skin both immediately and over the long term.
