At Miriam Quevedo, we take pride in the constant work and innovation of our in-house R&D laboratory in formulating anti-aging products that combine revolutionary and precious ingredients with biotechnology. However, we firmly believe that prevention is essential. That’s why understanding the causes of aging and how to combat them from the very beginning is crucial.

Ready to achieve skin as youthful as you feel inside? Below, we present five of the most researched theories on aging and how to mitigate their effects to prevent and delay the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and other signs of time.

1. free radical theory and oxidative stress

Without an oxygen source, cells cannot survive or renew themselves. That’s why we often hear about the importance of oxygenation.

However, during oxygen metabolism, cellular metabolism generates free radicals—unstable molecules released as a cell disintegrates—that can damage DNA, proteins, and cellular lipids, accelerating skin aging. This process is called oxidation.

Under normal conditions, the skin can eliminate these free radicals before they accumulate and cause instability, which affects cell renewal. However, over time, this natural defense mechanism weakens, and external factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and an inadequate diet increase free radical production, affecting collagen and elastin synthesis, leading to loss of firmness and the appearance of wrinkles.

How to combat it:
Numerous studies recommend incorporating antioxidants into your routine to neutralize free radicals. Ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid help protect the skin and stimulate cell regeneration. We recommend Black Baccara Dynamic Protection Booster. Its smartSKIN nutrients, including Retinol-like Bakuchiol, Vitamin E-like Chromanol, Bioactive Vitamin C, and Coenzyme Q10, are delivered through a next-generation release system that enhances the skin’s natural defense and neutralizes free radicals before they cause damage.

2. photoaging theory

It is estimated that up to 80% of premature skin aging is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which degrades collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, dark spots, uneven tone, visible spider veins, and loss of firmness. Overexposure to the sun without adequate protection disrupts skin structure, even at the DNA level. Additionally, blue light from electronic devices contributes to this damage.

How to combat it:
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and use products rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and niacinamide to counteract sun damage. To prevent photoaging caused by blue light and infrared radiation, we recommend using Glacial White Caviar Precious Cream and Precious Eye Cream. Both contain Marine Bamboo, a biological photoprotector derived from brown algae, which protects against collagen breakdown, maintains fibroblast activity by inhibiting MMP-1, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage, and promotes collagen and elastin synthesis in aged cells.

3. thermal aging theory

The thermal aging theory is also related to sun exposure, particularly heat. Prolonged exposure to environmental heat and infrared (IR) radiation can generate oxidative stress and collagen degradation, leading to deep wrinkles, especially in thinner skin areas like around the eyes and mouth.

How to combat it:
Protect your skin with thermal water, algae extract, and hyaluronic acid—ingredients that help soothe and repair thermal damage. Use Glacial White Caviar Treatment Mist on your face to cool and calm the skin. Its formula includes thermal water and encapsulated Swiss glacier water, offering continuous hydration while combining powerful active ingredients to help restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

4. toxic waste accumulation theory

Cell breakdown is a natural and necessary process in which all cells eventually reach a stage where they can no longer divide. At this point, they are eliminated as toxic waste to make room for new cells. However, over time, cells become less efficient at eliminating metabolic waste, disrupting the elimination process and leading to toxic buildup, which affects cell regeneration.
Signs of toxic waste accumulation include inflamed, dull, lifeless skin with deep wrinkles.

How to combat it:
Use ingredients with detoxifying properties like retinoids, Vitamin C, and botanical extracts that stimulate cell renewal.
A-Helix Advanced Renewal Overnight Mask acts as a cellular detox booster, helping eliminate accumulated toxins and improving skin radiance. Enriched with Vitamin A, C, E, and Dragon’s Blood extract, all powerful antioxidants, it helps prevent toxin buildup to effectively combat signs of aging caused by toxic waste accumulation.

5. chronic inflammation theory (inflammaging)

This is one of the most recently formulated aging theories, proposing that aging is associated with a state of low-grade chronic inflammation. This inflammation affects even our stem cells, degrades elastin and collagen, weakens the skin barrier, accelerates wrinkle formation, and compromises the skin's structure.

How to combat it:
Use anti-inflammatory ingredients such as prebiotics, botanical extracts, and hexapeptides, which help restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

Thanks to the Glacial White Caviar Recovery Serum and its three powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients, keeping inflammation at bay is easier than ever. The prebiotic hexapeptide in its formula reduces neurogenic inflammation, helping to restore damaged skin barrier function while protecting against external aggressors. It is also formulated with organic baobab oil, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and reparative properties, as well as botanical extracts (organic Edelweiss flower and cotton) that provide protection against multiple causes of inflammation, including UV rays and accelerated oxidative stress.

lifestyle and skin aging

As we’ve already mentioned, prevention is key when it comes to all aging theories.

One crucial factor, which is entirely within your control, is your lifestyle:

· Balanced diet: Consume foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables, and essential fatty acids.
· Hydration: Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from within.
· Regular exercise: Improves circulation and cellular oxygenation.
· Proper rest: Sleep is essential for skin regeneration and collagen synthesis.

Knowledge is key to protecting and preserving youthful skin. Understanding the causes of aging allows you to implement effective strategies to maintain firm, radiant, and healthy skin for longer.