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.