Demodex Mite (Face Mite)

Natural Habitat

They live in or near hair follicles of mammals, including humans. On humans, they are most commonly found on the face (nose, cheeks, forehead, chin) and in the roots of eyelashes.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells found within the hair follicles.

Behavior Patterns

These mites are naturally occurring residents of human skin. They are active primarily at night, moving between follicles to mate. They lay eggs inside the follicle, and their entire life cycle (egg to adult) takes about 14-18 days.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: They act as a natural cleaner by consuming excess sebum and dead skin cells. Risks: While usually harmless and asymptomatic, an overpopulation (demodicosis) can cause skin irritation, redness, rosacea-like symptoms, or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).

Identified on: 3/2/2026