No. 9 Daily Liquid Exfoliant

I found Oumere, after using a vitamin C serum for a few months that ended up burning the skin on my face and neck so that it was flaking off in rough patches and visibly discoloured, I think I have a skin type that is particularly sensitive to burns, otherwise I might've used it for longer, anyway I am so grateful to Ms Ouriel for educating me about the dangers in mainstream skincare, not just vitamin C serums, but much else.

When I learnt about chemical exfoliants here, about the no. 9, I could afford it, but since I was on a budget, a little bit of a cheapskate, and didn't want to pay international postage, I started looking for alternatives, and found someone on reddit (I know, I know) saying that no.9 was just "a dupe" of one of the Biologique Recherche P50 lotions, I didn't believe it, but thought if it's effective and "similar" to a brand I trust like Oumere, then maybe I should look in to it - it's touted as the most established, most powerful chemical exfoliant out there, and it does work. I used the P50V for nearly three months again before I stopped, because it was so harsh on my skin, I thought that was just part of proper exfoliation, I have a laughter line that looked like it was cut into my face while I was using the P50V, my skin felt completely stripped each time I used it, like someone had gone over my skin with an electric sander (a little dramatic, but you know what I mean), again I just told myself this was proper exfoliation - eventually something told me to do some further research, I looked at the ingredients list again, the P50V contains "Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract" which is Cayenne pepper extract, which is under Wendy's red flag list as an ingredient that "Inhibits [the] skin’s natural barrier function and reparative abilities", this could have also allowed the propylene glycol in the product to do some harm - it turns out all the P50 lotions contain 1 or more ingredients that messes with the skin barrier, and then I would assume in turn allows other ingredients to damage the skin.

I finally did what I should have done from the beginning and ordered the no.9. It exfoliates beautifully, I didn't feel like I was losing anything in that regard compared to the P50 lotion, in fact I read something from one woman who said the no.9 "rivals" the P50s - but it truly is night and day, the no.9 certainly properly exfoliates, but most importantly, it doesn't harm my skin, it nourishes it - I couldn't believe it, I could almost skip moisturising after using the no.9 (don't actually skip moisturising!), just based on how it feels, my laughter line no longer looks like it is cut into my skin, and it doesn't feel like the equivalent of nails on chalkboard when I gently glide my fingers across my forehead after exfoliating anymore. *I actually think the no.9 is a more effective exfoliator, probably because it allows my skin to function properly, this is from what I've noticed in my first two weeks of usage.

Using what I have learnt from Ms Ouriel and Oumere, I can find decent oil based cleansers and improvise an ok to nice moisturising regime on a budget (obviously nothing as elegant as Oumere's products), but I have struggled to find a chemical exfoliant as effective, or even mildly effective, that doesn't contain harmful ingredients. I think the no.9 is absolutely worth the money, and it will last a good while (based on my usage so far, I estimate about half the year). Using it once every 24 hours is definitely enough, you don't need too much, and be *very* gentle whilst applying. If you are new to chemical exfoliation, absolutely take it slow and dilute the product initially, expect a little shock when you first start using it because you will be uncovering skin that was previously hidden, different areas of your face will reveal sooner than others. I use a gauze pad instead of a cotton pad, since it absorbs less of the liquid, and I'm just not confident enough to use my hands.

**From the FAQs, must read:

"Question: Will the No. 9 cause a skin purge?
Answer: If you are beginning the OUMERE regimen with damaged, weakened skin, acne or any skin barrier issues, it is likely that No. 9 will cause an initial skin purge. This is referred to as an ‘acne flare up’ and is common when first using an exfoliant. The exfoliant is working on damaged skin, and will often require skin to appear worse before it gets better because the exfoliant is revealing damaged skin underneath. With time, the flare up will subside and leave your skin clear. The more damaged your skin, the longer the flare up will last. More information on skin purging can be found here ['here' being on the mask of vanity blog 'Is it a skin purge or an acne breakout?']."

:)

There are a lot to choose from these days. I have been on prescription retinal, now tretinoin for 43 years. Yes it was all worth it. When I ordered No. 9 it was a HUGE game changing result. Didn’t think it was possible for me to see such a difference but I did, I love it!

After over a year of using Oumere products, I love the gentle way no.9 exfoliates my 60+ skin. It feels softer and is clearer. The follow up with UvR makes it a great combo for my skincare routine. I am no longer spending time and/or money on trying new products that are not good for my skin. I view it as investing in it. Thanks Oumere. Also love the info on the blog.

This completely transformed my skin, I had clogged pores everywhere and this removed every clogged pore and bump on my face , I will use this forever

I have very thick poor skin and just had bbl again. I cannot feel a thing when I apply this, so I know my skin can handle anything that’s in it.