Acne is a common condition of the sebaceous follicle. The primary care physician can have a large impact on patients with acne by properly classifying the type of acne (obstructive versus inflammatory) and successfully treating the acne based on its severity. Reduction of acne lesions by appropriate topical and oral medications provides great psychological and physical benefits to these patients. By understanding how acne develops and its many manifestations and treatment options, the primary care physician can become an expert in acne diagnosis and treatment.