Face mite

Natural Habitat

Human skin, specifically within hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands on the face.

Diet & Feeding

Skin cells (sebum) and epithelial cells found within the pores and hair follicles.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal, emerging from follicles at night to crawl across the skin and find mates. They lay eggs inside the follicles. They lack an anus, storing waste in their bodies until they die.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless (commensals) for most people; however, high populations can be linked to skin conditions like rosacea or blepharitis (eyelid inflammation). They may benefit the host by removing dead skin and excess oil.

Identified on: 1/11/2026