Tretin 0.05% Cream reduces excessive oil production of the skin. Ideally, a pinpoint application at nighttime is recommended for the duration prescribed by your doctor. The amount you need and for how long you need to take it will depend on what you are being treated for. You should normally wash and dry the affected area before applying a thin layer of this medicine. Follow your doctor’s instructions. You should not apply it to damaged or broken skin and avoid contact with your mouth, eyes, and nose. It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve but keep using it regularly to get the most benefit. Consult your doctor again if you do not notice any improvement after a few weeks. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster and may increase the side effects.