Woman With Painful Acne Documents 10 Months of 'Purging' on Accutane

In a raw and relatable TikTok video, a young woman has captivated millions by sharing her battle with severe acne, a journey marked by hard lumps and inflamed spots covering her face.

Triggered by a medication prescribed to treat an underlying skin condition, Ashlee Crumpton's candid TikTok video (@ashleecrumpton0) has amassed 4 million views since it was shared on October 1.

In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, the 27-year-old has opened up about the physical and emotional toll of living with nodular acne.

"It's been one hell of a journey," she said. "I've been depressed and worried sick, but also experienced some positive emotions – ever since posting on social media."

Ashlee Crumpton experienced lumps, dry skin and severe breakouts. The image on the left shows her skin recently, nearing the end of the purging process. Ashlee Crumpton

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually, according to The American Academy of Dermatology. However, statistics state a large portion of those affected between 12 and 24 (85%) experience minor acne.

This was the case for Crumpton, a factory worker from Wales, in the United Kingdom, until she went through a break at age 23 that triggered a much-more severe case.

The emotional turmoil caused her face to "blow up" with huge lumps on both sides of her jaw and eyes.

She told Newsweek: "I had no idea what was going on and all of my friends had crystal clear skin. I felt like I was the only person in the world with this type of skin. Doctors kept prescribing me antibiotics but they didn't work. It was a very lonely experience."

Newsweek discussed Crumpton's severe case with a dermatologist. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Ashlee Crumpton

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist with dual fellowship training in hair loss and skin cancer told Newsweek: "This form of acne is one of the most severe types, marked by deep, painful and inflamed lesions that can last for weeks or even months. Unlike milder forms of acne, nodular acne often penetrates deeper layers of the skin, making it resistant to standard over-the-counter treatments."

In September last year – four months after an appointment with a dermatologist – Crumpton began taking Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane and marketed under brands like Absorica and Claravis, which is a prescription drug for severe acne.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states it is effective, but poses significant risks, particularly severe birth defects, and is therefore available only through a restricted distribution program to ensure safe usage.

Crumpton told Newsweek that she has suffered from hair loss, dry skin, body aches and fatigue.

In the viral video, which includes many photos of her skin journey, the text reads: "POV – you have been on Accutane for 15 months and purged for 10 of them."

"It gets worse before better," Crumpton told Newsweek: "The lumps on my face blew up and I couldn't open my mouth.

What Is an Accutane Purge?

Kopelman, who is based in New York, explained what an "Accutane purge" is.

She said: "Acne may temporarily worsen as the body adjusts, can be emotionally and physically taxing. I always emphasize to my patients that this initial phase is temporary and a necessary step toward the clearer skin that follows.

"I admire those who share their Accutane journey, complete with the highs and lows. These personal stories play an important role in de-stigmatizing acne and portraying the complexities of treatment.

"They also create a sense of community, reminding others that they're not alone in their struggle and that progress is possible with persistence and proper care."

In Crumpton's side profile, you can see her skin is clearing up as she nears the end of the "purge." She has captivated millions by sharing her battle with severe acne. Ashlee Crumpton

Crumpton, who is coming to the end of the purge, agrees with the expert, stating social media has helped her accept her skin.

She said: "When I was younger, I would hide behind a scarf or do anything I can to hide my skin.

"Now, I regularly share photos of it online as an acne advocate, I want to show others that they aren't alone and I often receive message from others saying my content is helping them too."

During her teens, Crumpton was subject to bullying and cruel comments - something that still happens online, but she has developed a thick skin.

She told Newsweek: "Over the years, I have been called every name under the sun so I don't bat an eyelid at trolls. Ever since embracing my skin and this journey, I feel powerful.

"I want other people who suffer from acne to know it isn't forever and they shouldn't hide away. When someone says something nasty, it reflects more about them than it does about you."

TikTok Reacts

The video has garnered over 131,000 likes and more than 1,100 comments.

"I've genuinely never seen anything like this, this is normal purging????" asked one user, and Crumpton replied: "My acne is very severe so this is not likely to happen to most depends on the acne how bad it is and dose."

"Oh bless you. They look so painful. Thank you for sharing your journey through this. A lot of us have it so easy with our skin and don't even know," sympathized one user, and another said: "People don't understand the strength that this requires. I'm so proud of you for taking care of yourself."

"I'm so sorry, emotionally and physically this looks extremely difficult. Thank you for sharing, so that anyone else going through this feels less alone. Wishing you gentle healing," said a third commenter.

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