You are likely hosting a thriving colony of microscopic arachnids on your face

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Almost every adult human carries a population of Demodex mites, tiny eight-legged creatures that spend their lives nestled inside your hair follicles. These transparent, microscopic guests feast on the sebum your skin produces. While the thought might be unsettling, these permanent residents are typically harmless and nearly impossible to remove.

Demodex mites, often referred to as eyelash mites, are microscopic arachnids that measure approximately .3 millimeters in length. To visualize their scale, it would take roughly five of these creatures laid end to end to span the width of a standard pinhead. They are nearly transparent, making them invisible to the naked eye, and they spend the majority of their two-week lifespan living face-down within human hair follicles, pressed against the hair shaft.

These mites primarily consume sebum, the oily substance secreted by the skin to maintain moisture and protection. Consequently, they are found in higher concentrations in the greasiest regions of the human body, specifically around the nose, mouth, and eyes. While infants are born without these mites, they typically acquire them shortly after birth through direct contact with their parents. As human skin begins producing more oil during puberty, the population of these mites often increases.

The daily cycle of a face mite involves remaining tucked inside pores during the day and emerging onto the skin's surface at night to mate. Because female mites possess the ability to reproduce asexually, a single mite is sufficient to repopulate an entire host. While they usually cause no symptoms, an overpopulation can lead to an inflammatory condition known as demodicosis, characterized by the rapid appearance of small, uniform pimples. Experts generally advise against attempting to eradicate them, as they are nearly impossible to fully eliminate and typically coexist peacefully with their human hosts.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

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