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This study aims to review the psychosocial characteristics of acne vulgaris. The biomedical literature on the disease is abundant, and the treatment of the disease tends to follow this approach. However, the scientific results point to the fact that a deeper understanding of the experience of the affected person, support for coping with the disease, and enhancement of quality of life can be achieved more effectively in a complex biopsychosocial framework. The paper reviews the evidence that illustrates the extent to which the quality of life of people with acne is most affected and in what areas and attempts to outline the psychological and psychophysiological processes that may underlie these interactions. It addresses the prevalence of mental disorders (depression, anxiety), the negative impact on body image, the experience of stigma, and the possible social consequences. It describes the findings and central mechanisms of stress and the most relevant lifestyle issues and highlights the importance of individual treatment plans and psychological interventions. The review concludes by attempting to argue for the need for complex, biopsychosocial treatment and outlines areas where psychologists or other mental health professionals may have a priority role to play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]