Acne is a tremendously common condition affecting millions of adolescents and adults. Up to 80% of teenage girls and 90% of teenage boys are afflicted with acne. Adult acne, although less common than adolescent acne, is a significant problem for 3% to 6% of adult men and 5% to 12% of adult women. Although the presence of acne does not physically impair patients, it can have a remarkable psychological effect. Thirty to fifty percent of adolescents experience psychiatric disturbances as the result of acne. Studies have shown that acne causes similar levels of social, psychological, and emotional impairment as asthma and epilepsy. Studies have also shown that unemployment is greater among adults with acne than among adults without acne. We as physicians must recognize the significant impairment that acne can have on a patient’s psyche and treat it seriously. To implement effective treatment strategies for patients with acne, a solid understanding of the physiology of the pilosebaceous unit and the pathological events that lead to acne are critical. The pathogenesis of acne is very complex but consists of 4 main factors. These key elements are: (1) follicular epidermal hyperplasia, (2) excess sebum production, (3) inflammation, (4) and the activity of Propionibacterium acnes. Some acne treatments address 1 of the 4 factors of acne formation whereas other treatments address multiple components. A myriad of treatment options ranging from washes, to leave of products, to oral agents, to lasers and light sources exist. It is important that the physician understands the gamut of treatment options so that they can be successfully used. A thorough knowledge of potential side effects and efficacy of each treatment is necessary so that physicians can appropriately educate their patients. This issue will aid the physicians by presenting an up-to-date compendium of therapeutic approaches to treating acne vulgaris.