The Phytogenic Triactive Complex

All products in the kaplanMD Skincare collection contain the powerful Phytogenic Triactive Complex of Soy, Black Cohosh and Grapeseed Extract. Clinically proven to mimic the positive effects of estrogen on the skin, this Triactive is encapsulated in a patented microsphere time-release delivery system that penetrates the skin for greater efficacy.

Dr. Stuart Kaplan Answers Some Frequently Asked Questions:

1) How Does the Phytogenic Triactive Complex Mimic the Positive Effects of Estrogen?
2) How is this different from oral plant-based estrogens, and oral bio-equivalents?
3) How Does the Microsphere Time-release Delivery System Penetrate Skin?
4) How Does Soy Work as a Phytoestrogen?
5) How Does Black Cohosh Work as a Phytoestrogen?
6) What are the Benefits of Grapeseed Extract?
7) What are Antioxidants, and What Do they Do?

How Does the Phytogenic Triactive Complex Mimic the Positive Effects of Estrogen?

The Phytogenic Triactive Complex is the result of many years of researching phytoestrogens, or plant-derived substances, that have estrogen-like properties. Studies have shown that when estrogen levels are low for women, such as during perimenopause and menopause, phytoestrogens can mimic the effects of estrogen on the skin, without the side effects of synthetic estrogen.

The most potent phytoestrogens on the skin have proven to be Soy, Black Cohosh and Grapeseed Extract. Collectively, these three powerful ingredients make up the kaplanMD Phytogenic Triactive Complex. Encapsulated in a patented microsphere time-release delivery system, this restorative formula actually penetrates deep within the skin for maximum effectiveness.

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 How is this different from oral plant-based estrogens, and oral bio-equivalents?

After a certain age, supplemental Hormone Replacement Therapy increases the rate of breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, uterine cancer, etc. However, estrogen itself is neither good nor bad. The dangers of estrogen are what the estrogen does to organs in our body. So if we take an ORAL bio-equivalent that is similar to estrogen, even if it is not estrogen, it may not be safe. If the body thinks it is estrogen, even if it is not, the dangers of estrogen will occur.

kaplanMD products work on the skin, and the skin alone. There is no internal effects or dangers.

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 How Does the Microsphere Time-release Delivery System Penetrate Skin?

Your skin is intelligently designed as a barrier to the external environment. Because our skin is so good at keeping things out, most skincare products never penetrate the skin, and stay only on your skins surface. Since your skin constantly sheds and regenerates, these products never have any long-term benefit, no matter how effective the ingredients are. Skincare products only work if they can penetrate your skin.

This is why all kaplanMD Skincare contain the microsphere time-release delivery system. Previously only available in prescription medications, the exclusive, patented microsphere technology delivers the kaplanMD Phytogenic Triactive Complex and other essential anti-aging and environmental protection ingredients deep within the skin.

How is this done? As kaplanMD products are applied to your skin, the rubbing motion activates enzymes in "programmed" marine collagen microspheres. As the ingredients penetrate the different layers of skin, the ingredients are gradually released. This means every ingredient in the kaplanMD skincare line is delivered exactly where you need it most, and delivered slowly so the benefits are maintained throughout the day.

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 How Does Soy Work as a Phytoestrogen?

Estrogen helps to preserve the skin's collagen content and its elastic properties, while aiding in the maintenance of skin thickness.

Numerous clinical studies have shown that Soy is a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (a plant that exhibits estrogen-like qualities). When used in the correct concentration, Soy extract mimics the positive effects of estrogen on the skin.

Studies show that when Soy is applied topically at a 3% concentration, it increases the skins thickness up to 7% in two months, and 11.2% in three months. Soy has also been proven to improve skin hydration, smoothness and firmness.

Every kaplanMD product contains Soy as part of my exclusive Phytogenic Triactive Complex of Soy, Grapeseed, and Black Cohosh. However, specific kaplanMD products were formulated to contain a 3% Soy concentration for maximum effectiveness.

These products are:

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 How Does Black Cohosh Work as a Phytoestrogen?

Black Cohosh is an herb originally used by Native Americans to ease painful menstruation. When taken orally, it is said be effective against hot flashes, and helpful for easing menstrual cramps and lightening the menstrual flow.

In terms of skin care, research has shown that Black Cohosh, when applied topically in the correct concentration, has been found to have a hormone-like structure, giving it an affinity to bind to human estrogen receptors. This quality enables Black Cohosh to help correct and balance skin symptoms, such as increasing collagen synthesis, promoting skin-hydrating glycosaminoglycans, and preventing the breakdown of the skin’s structural support caused by sun damage.

Every kaplanMD product contains Black Cohosh as part of my exclusive Phytogenic Triactive Complex of Soy, Grapeseed, and Black Cohosh.

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 What are the Benefits of Grapeseed Extract?

Grapeseed Extract is a natural plant substance that has a concentrated source of antioxidants, such as polyphenols and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC). Studies have shown OPC to be a powerful antioxidant to fight free radicals — 20 times more powerful than vitamin C, and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E!

Every kaplanMD product contains Grapeseed extract as part of my exclusive Phytogenic Triactive Complex of Soy, Grapeseed, and Black Cohosh.

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What are Antioxidants, and What Do they Do?

All living organisms have a natural supply of lipid-soluble antioxidants, such as Vitamin E and Carotenoids, and water-soluble antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Enzymes, to protect against oxidative free-radicals.

Free-radicals, which are created by air pollution and UV light, attack fatty acids and other components of cell membranes when in contact with the skin. The result is premature skin aging. Antioxidants capture free-radicals, thereby protecting your skin from harmful damage.

kaplanMD contains a topical Grapeseed Extract preparation called CRODOSOME GSP-T. This synergistic blend of natural antioxidants combines both water and oil soluble antioxidants to protect skin from damaging free-radicals.

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