What term describes skin that has lost elasticity and firmness due to aging?

The term that describes skin that has lost elasticity and firmness due to aging is elastosis. This condition occurs as a result of structural changes in the skin, particularly in the dermis, where elastin fibers become damaged or degraded over time. Factors such as UV radiation, smoking, and natural aging processes contribute to elastosis, which leads to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles.

This term is specifically focused on the loss of elastic tissue and the overall reduction in skin resilience, making it distinct from other terms related to skin conditions. For instance, dry skin refers primarily to a lack of moisture, dermatitis indicates inflammation of the skin, and hyperpigmentation refers to darkening of certain areas of the skin due to excess melanin production. Each of these conditions has different causes and implications compared to elastosis.