Silk Whitia Highly-Concentrated Collagen Hydrating Mask

A collagen mask review after a post about the ineffectiveness of collagen in skincare products?  

There was a great deal on this mask, US $6.80 for two boxes (5 pieces each box), making them only $0.68 for each mask.  Pretty good deal I'd say if you're an international buyer.  The Silk Whitia masks usually run at $16.60 for two boxes, so I was a little worried that they would be expired or something.  But, I held my breath and bought 3 orders (6 boxes).  The first thing I checked when they arrived was the expiration date. Good thing, 12-2014.

I first tried one of Silk Whitia's moisturizing mask in 2010.  I remember that they were quite good, the only down fall was that you needed to rinse your face after use otherwise it would leave a film of residue.  

Although it is a collagen mask, and although it is not effective in penetrating into the skin, where is this ingredient in the mask?? And what is nature moisturizing factor?  


According to cosmeticscop.com, "One of the primary elements in keeping skin healthy is making sure the structure of the epidermis (outer layer of skin) is intact. The components that do this are often called natural moisturizing factor (NMF) or ingredients that mimic the structure and function of healthy skin. While the oil and fat components of skin prevent evaporation and provide lubrication to the surface of skin, it is actually the intercellular matrix, along with the skin’s lipid content, that gives skin a good deal of its surface texture and feel.

The intercellular matrix is the skin’s first line of defense against water loss. When the lipid and NMF content of skin is reduced, we experience surface roughness, flaking, fine lines, and a tight, uncomfortable feeling. The longer the skin’s surface layer (stratum corneum) is impaired, the less effective the skin’s intercellular matrix becomes (Sources: Skin Research and Technology, August 2000, pages 128–134; and Dermatologic Therapy, 2004, volume 17, Supplement 1, pages 43–48). Moreover, the skin’s healing process is impaired. NMFs make up an expansive group of ingredients that include amino acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, glycosphingolipids, urea, linoleic acid, glycosaminoglycans, glycerin, mucopolysaccharide, and sodium PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid). Ingredients that mimic the lipid content of skin include apricot oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, jojoba oil, jojoba wax, lanolin, lecithin, olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, shea butter, soybean oil, squalane, and sweet almond oil, all of which can be extremely helpful in making dry skin look and feel better.

All of the skin’s supporting NMFs and lipids are present in the intercellular structure of the epidermis, both between skin cells and in the lipid content on the surface of skin. When any of these ingredients are included in skin-care products, they appear to help stabilize and maintain this complex intercellular-skin matrix. More important, all of these ingredients, and many more, help support the intercellular area of the skin by keeping it intact. This support helps prevent surface irritation from penetrating deeper into the skin, helps keep bacteria out, and aids the skin’s immune/healing system. Using moisturizers of any kind that contain NMFs (whether they are labeled as anti-aging, antiwrinkle, serums, lotions, or sunscreens) allows your skin to do its job of repairing and regenerating itself without the impedances brought on when skin is suffering from dryness, environmental distress, or excess irritation."

So, what do I think of the mask??


Surprisingly, its not bad.  Once you rip open the packet, you can see that it is soaked in a milky serum.  I usually take another photo of the mask once I remove it from the packet.  But, it was so soaked that it got all over my hands and I had to put it on to prevent it from dripping.


There is a scent, not overly powering.  I'd rather it be a bit lighter, though.

The texture of the paper cotton mask is much thicker than the regular My Beauty Diary masks, but thinner than their Gold + Marine Collagen mask.  You won't need to worry about accidentally tearing the mask, because it is woven well.  The mask size is a little bit rounder, making the two sides stick out a little more.  The eye openings are also a lot larger than the MBD masks.  The mask has a lot of serum, so it sticks well to the skin.  

The mask is very moist that it allows the serum to transfer to the skin well.  I think it does a good job at moisturizing and it does a little brightening, though nothing dramatic  I was a little surprised at this because it is only a hydrating mask and I did not use my brightening toner underneath it.  


If you have used other Silk Whitia masks, you probably know that when it dries it leaves a film residue.  However, this mask does not leave a residue.  The texture of the serum is more like a lotion or emulsion.  But, if you want to apply your face creams you will need to rinse off otherwise its just gonna sit on top of it.  


While I rinse, I can feel my skin is soft.  And it allows toner and moisturizer to seep well into my skin.

Mask texture, taken after use.

The mask is more round, making the horizontal side larger. Eye openings are also much larger than the regular MBD masks.

There is alot of excess serum left in the packet and I usually save it in a zip lock bag and use it the following night as a mask.  The mask itself is well soaked and sufficient that I don't need to use the excess serum for the same night.  


If you have been following my reviews, you will know that everything comes down to the price.  I am happy to get a good deal of this mask.  For $0.68 each, it is an excellent mask! If it was at the usual $1.60 each, it would still be very good as well, but I probably wouldn't buy it at that price.