Face Mite
Scientific Name: Demodex folliculorum
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Demodicidae
Size: 0.3 to 0.4 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Human skin pores, particularly on the face (forehead, cheeks, and around the nose)
Diet & Feeding
Sebaceous oil (sebum) produced within skin pores and dead skin cells
Behavior Patterns
Microscopic arachnids that remain inside follicles during the day and crawl on the skin surface at night to find mates and lay eggs
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless commensals, but overpopulation can lead to skin conditions like rosacea, blepharitis, or folliculitis (demodicosis)
Identified on: 6/16/2026