Flax oil taken by mouth cleared my son's acne right up. Another valuable tool is zinc supplements. (zinc is often low in teen males since it is used alot in the reproductive system). My son's acne was mostly on his back and chest-- which is far more common in males. But he'd have some small zits on his face now and then.

Prednisone creates a "cushingoid" metabolism in the body. And often CAUSES acne as a side effect. Patients with real cushing's syndrome typically have acne all the time. Cushing's is a disease of the adrenal glands and/or pituitary, which raises cortisol in the blood.

Accutane was developed for SEVERE polycystic acne patients. But doctors today prescribe it even for mild forms, which is a foolish risky thing to do IMO.