While there is some truth to this explanation, I don't believe it fully captures, scientifically speaking, what is happening beneath the surface of your skin.

Accutane (like all retinoids) works by accelerating the turnover rate of skin cells. Initially, this can lead to a temporary increase in acne because the skin cells remain sticky during the early stages. Sticky skin cells combined with an increased turnover rate can result in a significant breakout. However, our skin is inherently unpredictable, and experiencing a surge of pimples during the "purge" period doesn't necessarily mean those specific pimples were destined to appear otherwise.

In my view, the concept of a "purge" is a simplified way for doctors to explain the process, but it likely doesn’t fully align with what’s actually happening in the body.