Face mite (or Eyelash mite)

Natural Habitat

Human skin, specifically within hair follicles and sebaceous glands, often more concentrated on the face, forehead, and eyelashes.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells found in the follicle.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal, emerging from follicles at night to move across the skin surface to find mates. They lay eggs inside the follicles and have a short life cycle of about two weeks.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless and part of the normal human microbiome. However, overpopulation can lead to skin conditions like demodicosis, blepharitis, or exacerbate rosacea symptoms in some individuals.

Identified on: 6/8/2026