If you’re looking for a solution to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you may be considering anti aging Retin A. While it’s a powerful drug that’s been proven to work wonders, it’s also a strong solution that can cause skin issues for some. So before you ask your dermatologist for a prescription, it’s important to review the pros and cons of Retin A.

Retin A is a topical retinoid (tretinoin) that’s a form of Vitamin A. It unclogs your pores and allows for other medications or creams with active ingredients to penetrate your skin. It’ll help minimize enlarged pores and speeds up the cell renewal process, which is key for younger-looking skin. It also helps maintain and boost collagen—the stuff that keeps your skin firm and gives it elasticity. You’ll see noticeable results within six weeks, but you may not see the full (and most dramatic) results before 24 weeks. Severe wrinkles will be reduced, fine lines may be completely erased and uneven pigmentation and rough skin will improve.

Despite the wondrous results, Retin A can be very harsh, so your skin may get worse before it gets better. You may experience redness, peeling and flaky skin for several weeks. Acne breakouts aren’t unheard of either. However, some Retin A creams may be formulated better than others, so discuss with your dermatologist to find the best solution for your skin.

Also, due to the cream’s harsh nature, you need to take extra caution during your treatment. You need to be vigilant about using a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) or avoid sun and tanning beds altogether. And, if your skin does get sunburned or wind burned, don’t apply Retin A. You should also avoid the cream if your skin is dry, broken or irritated. Let your skin get back to normal before you use Retin A. Always consult your doctor when you have an adverse reaction and be sure to ask for a complete list of do’s and don’ts.