Dipalmitoyl Hydroxy Proline

This long-named ingredient is actually a small molecule that has an effect on the appearance of the skin. It is present in active creams for the face and lips. Why? Because it renews the appearance and function of the skin, supports its structure and firmness, protects against free radicals and increases moisture levels. As we know, the skin becomes thinner and less firm over the years and the lips also lose volume. So any ingredient that can inhibit these processes and restore some of the firmness of the skin is a welcome effect when we design the right care for us.

Let’s understand this component a little more. Hydroxyproline is an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins in our bodies. Just as letters form the basis of words and sentences, amino acids form the basis of peptides and proteins. Why “Di Palmitoyle” Hydroxy Proline? Because the amino acid hydroxyproline was attached to palmitic acid – it is a fatty acid that improves the stability of the molecule and its effective penetration into the skin. And what does the skin component do? First, it encourages a healthy and normal cell turnover rate (this rate decreases with age…). This improves all skin metabolism – its metabolism – and creates skin with a healthier look and function.

Second, it improves collagen production and structure. Collagen, as we know, is the protein responsible for skin firmness, strength and fullness, normal and young-looking structure. Collagen is a protein. Hydroxyproline is the most abundant amino acid in collagen. Collagen is actually made up of 3 amino acids: hydroxyproline, proline, and glycine. Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline is a signaling molecule that stimulates the production of new collagen. Another effect is reducing the activity of cutting enzymes in the skin that break down collagen (matrix-metallo-proteases). When we reduce breakdown, we maintain the firmer structure of the skin.

Third, it preserves the elastin protein in the skin. Elastin is responsible for skin elasticity. In skin that loses elasticity, we see, among other things, sagging processes of the skin and a greater tendency to wrinkles. Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline reduces the activity of the elastase-cutting enzyme, thereby maintaining a healthy level of this important protein.

Fourth, dipalmitoyal hydroxyproline is a water binding molecule. It has a strong affinity for water and is a good moisturizer, keeping skin hydrated and the skin barrier functioning well. It is good for all areas of the skin and also for the lips.

And finally – the ingredient is also an antioxidant. That is, provides protection against free radicals. The skin is constantly exposed to free radicals, more than any other area of the body. This is because it is the outermost layer of our body and comes into contact with a variety of environmental threats: solar radiation, air pollution, toxins, bacteria and pathogens, mechanical stress, inflammation and injury, and more. All of these generate free radicals in the skin. Free radicals damage all components of the skin – cell membranes, proteins inside the cell as well as DNA, proteins between cells (such as collagen and elastin) and virtually every molecule they encounter along the way. And free radical damage is one of the important causes of skin aging.

Therefore, the use of the component Di Palmitoyl hydroxy Proline can help us maintain saturated, healthier, firmer skin as well as delay the appearance of signs of aging. All this without limiting our level of sun exposure – since this ingredient does not exfoliate, irritate or increase the skin’s sensitivity to solar radiation.