This invention relates to methods of increasing the 
efficacy of peroxides such as 
benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of 
skin conditions such as 
acne. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to methods of increasing radicals formed by peroxides on / in the 
skin, more specifically near / in the comedone, for topical use in 
dermatology. In a specific embodiment, the invention relates to the use of transitional metals such as Cu(l) and 
ferrous ions to increase the 
efficacy of peroxides such as 
benzoyl peroxide. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method by which a 
peroxide such as 
benzoyl peroxide and its activator are added to the 
skin surface at the same time. In another embodiment, the invention relates to the use of a more soluble form of 
peroxide such as benzoyl 
peroxide to increase its 
efficacy. In another embodiment, the invention relates to the addition of a 
side chain to a peroxide such as benzoyl peroxide so that it is activated by light. In a further embodiment, the invention relates to the addition of a 
tertiary amine to a peroxide such as benzoyl peroxide at the time of skin application, to improve the efficacy of the peroxide. In another embodiment, the invention relates to the addition of 
dapsone or other material to a peroxide such as benzoyl peroxide to improve its efficacy.