- .Tretinoin is used to treat acne, remove whiteheads, blackheads, fine wrinkles, dark spots, or rough skin caused by the damaging rays of the sun.Tretinoin is a form of synthetic vitamin A and belongs to a class called retinoids.Tretinoin works by affecting the growth of skin cells, speeding up the process of replacing older skin with newer skin.During the first 3 weeks of using Tretinoin Cream, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better.