Abstract: With the present-day fast lifestyle leading to stressful conditions, coupled with increase in dietary intake of fast foods, the incidence of acne vulgaris may evolve as a major medical problem in the near future. Acne vulgaris can have physiological manifestations such as eruptions which tend to impair the appearance of a person as also psychological manifestations such as feeling of ugliness, depression, low self-esteem etc. Acne vulgaris can be prevented by maintaining self-hygiene and application of topical products which prevent the development of conditions favourable for formation of acne vulgaris. Cosmetics can also help in treatment of acne vulgaris once they are formed. The prevention and treatment of acne vulgaris assume tremendous significance since untreated acne vulgaris can leave permanent scars which may be difficult to remove.