Face mite

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

They feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal, emerging from follicles at night to move across the skin and find mates. They lay eggs inside the follicles. Most adults have them as part of their natural skin microbiome.

Risks & Benefits

While usually harmless, an overgrowth can lead to skin conditions like demodicosis or contribute to rosacea and blepharitis. They are not known to transmit diseases.

Identified on: 1/11/2026