The cause of this condition is unknown. There is a strong genetic link, and often several members of the same family will develop the condition. The lesions caused by the condition are completely benign, and the condition is chronic, with new and more lesions appearing as a person with the condition ages. In addition to Morgan Freeman, Bill Cosby also has dermatosis papulosa nigra.
While laser treatment can be used to minimize the lesions, both actors have embraced their condition and turned it to their advantage, making the lesions part of their signature look.
Cynthia Nixon: Rosacea
In 2014, Cynthia Nixon told Marie Claire that she feels more beautiful now, at almost 50, than she did during the peak of her days with the hit show Sex and the City. The reason, she explained to the magazine, is that she finally learned how to deal with her rosacea – a condition that causes the skin to redden and flush chronically, especially on the face and cheeks.
Nixon has a number of tips for dealing with rosacea, including staying hydrated and keeping skin moisturized, cleansing skin with effective, but natural cleansers that are free from harsh chemicals, avoiding red wine and spicy foods, and minimizing the amount of makeup she wears.
Nixon agreed to serve as the face of a global awareness campaign for rosacea, called Act on Red, and has spoken to the media about the tips and tricks she has learned for managing her condition. She’s also not alone in Hollywood – other A-list beauties, including Renee Zellweger and Maria Carey, reportedly also suffer from rosacea.