Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline is a naturally derived ingredient often found in anti-aging skin and lip care products due to its potential protective effects on collagen and elastin.
Hydroxyproline is a major component of the protein, collagen and is thought to play a key role in collagen stability. It is produced by hydroxylation of the amino acid proline, a process that requires ascorbic acid or vitamin C. In humans, a deficiency in ascorbic acid leads to symptoms of scurvy due to the resulting defect in the hydroxylation of proline residues of collagen.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, muscles, and skin. Collagen plays a role in strengthening skin, plus may benefit elasticity and hydration.
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline Benefits on the skin
Collagen
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline may reduce signs of aging is by stimulating the synthesis of collagen. This is important since the body produces less and less collagen with age. in addition to that free radicals can degrade collagen proteins, the result is skin that becomes thinner and more fragile as collagen production is affected by age, and environmental factors.
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline is absorbed through the skin where it is thought to play specific and essential roles in the synthesis of collagen sub-units and in the three-dimensional folding of collagen fibers. These collagen fibers help to maintain the structure of the skin and improve elasticity and firmness.
Elastin
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline may also function to reduce signs of aging may be to preserve elastin fibers through anti-elastase activity. Elastin is a highly elastic protein found within the skin that allows the skin to resume its shape after stretching or contracting. While collagen makes skin look plump, elastin allows the skin to be elastic, pliable, and firm. As part of the natural functioning of the body enzymes, known as elastase, within the skin break down elastin, which has been linked to wrinkle formation. Therefore, through its anti-elastase activity, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline may have the potential to help reduce signs of aging and maintain skin elasticity.
Antioxidant
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline functions as an antioxidant as well which means it is capable of protecting the skin from free radicals. Environmental free radicals are generated from factors such as UV radiation, diet, smoking, and pollution. The harmful effects of free radicals occur as damage to cellular DNA, the cell membrane, and the cellular proteins, including collagen and elastin.
