“My facial redness used to affect my confidence on set and at big social occasions and I struggled to manage what I thought was a recurrence of acne, like I had when I was a teenager,” she says. “So it was a relief when my dermatologist told me I had rosacea as it has transformed the way I can manage my symptoms and better understand my triggers.”

Two million Canadians affected

Nixon’s self-consciousness in her appearance isn’t unique for those who have the skin condition. Surveys show that rosacea can take a toll on people emotionally, from how they feel at work, to how they feel in social settings and in their relationships. The good news is that rosacea is a treatable and common skin condition. Over two million Canadians and around 40 million people worldwide are affected by it.

“Redness is a challenge, but you can get it under control. Dealing with rosacea on a day-to-day basis is tough. And sometimes I used to start my day off on the wrong foot just by looking in the mirror.”

“Symptoms can be managed and it’s important not to let them get worse, Rosacea might always be on your mind but it doesn’t have to be on your face.”

Visiting a dermatologist

The key to managing rosacea is getting a diagnosis. Those who are left undiagnosed face challenges — only about one in ten sufferers receive a formal diagnosis from a doctor or dermatologist. Those who do are twice as likely to manage their symptoms.

Keeping it under control

These days Nixon is more confident, thanks in part to learning how to manage her skin condition. She recognizes her triggers, such as extreme heat and humidity, and gets the help she needs.

“Symptoms can be managed and it’s important not to let them get worse,” Nixon says. “Rosacea might always be on your mind but it doesn’t have to be on your face.”