Face Mites Are Real: How to Get Rid of Them with This 3-Step Routine

October 03, 2022

By: Truly Beauty

woman's face with zoom in circled red patch displaying face mites

If your skin is red, itchy, or breaking out, you could be dealing with face mites. Here's how to get rid of face mites.

Face mites (aka, demodex mites) are microscopic organisms that live in hair follicles and feed on oil and dead skin. When there are too many, they can cause irritation and clogged pores.

The best way to help treat face mites is tea tree oil, which contains terpinen-4-ol that helps weaken mites and makes them easier to wash away during cleansing.

Tea tree oil is a key ingredient in Truly’s Cooka Oil, along with lavender and jojoba oil to clear pores and ward off unwanted microorganisms.

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Do You Have Face Mites on Your Face?

Most people have face mites and don’t notice them. You may have a Demodex overgrowth if you experience:

Persistent redness (especially around the nose and cheeks)
Itchy skin, often worse at night
Acne that won’t go away with typical treatments
Rough or uneven skin texture
Enlarged or clogged pores

WHAT ARE FACE MITES?

Two species of demodex live on humans: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, both commonly known as face mites. Most people have them, and they're actually quite harmless. They also don't bite -- just in case you were wondering!

You wouldn't know if you had face mites because you don't feel them crawling. You would, however, be able to detect their presence if you're experiencing red, itchy, bumpy skin. This signals an overpopulation of demodex.

In some cases, when mites breed out of control, they cause a skin condition known as demodicosis. Demodicosis typically appears in individuals with suppressed immune systems. Symptoms include a red rash made up of pimple-like bumps and rosacea-like redness. Consult a dermatologist if you think you're suffering from this skin condition to receive the appropriate medication.

HOW TO GET RID OF FACE MITES: A SKINCARE ROUTINE

1. Treat Them With Tea Tree

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According to 2020 research, tea tree oil is the best treatment for microscopic mites. Tea tree oil possesses antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help kill existing eggs and prevent future accumulation. Use tea tree oil as a topical treatment for face mites to take control of the spread.

Tea tree oil is a key ingredient in Truly's Cooka Oil which also contains lavender and jojoba oil to eliminate face mites. Note: This is not a medical treatment. If you’re experiencing persistent skin irritation or concerns, consult a dermatologist.

2. Moisturize & Prevent

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Soften Dry, Rough Skin

It may seem counterproductive to add moisture to your skin, but did you know that dryness can actually exacerbate oily skin? Since mites are attracted to skin oils, you can quickly control the issue by moisturizing on a daily basis.

It's best to use a lightweight, non-comedogenic serum like Truly's The Hydrating Face Serum every time you wash your face to prevent moisture loss and seal in hydration. Avoid using thick, heavy lotions that only contribute to facial oiliness.

3. Cleanse Your Eye Area, too

Demodex can also accumulate in the eyelash region, which can cause conditions like inflammation, hair loss, and clumping. You can treat and prevent the issue by always removing eye makeup thoroughly, and keeping the area clean.

If you are experiencing irritation or itching of the eyelids, this could be a sign you're dealing with a demodex infestation. Book an appointment with your dermatologist if you think you may have this condition.

4. Switch to a Silk Pillowcase

Besides religiously washing your face, another effective preventative measure to take against the accumulation of face mites is sleeping on silk pillowcases. As a non-absorbent fabric, silk can prevent the spread of demodex by minimizing the absorption of oil on the skin.

It is also important to wash your sheets regularly to make sure you're killing any mites that may be hiding in your sheets.

When to See a Dermatologist

While face mites are relatively easy to treat and prevent, some severe cases may require professional attention. If you develop itchy, acne-like lesions and none of the tips above ease your issues, it's time to consult a dermatologist.

Sometimes, an overgrowth of face mites can lead to a condition called demodicosis. It looks a lot like acne. However, unlike acne, these lesions may not respond to antibiotics such as doxycycline or clindamycin. If you are diagnosed with this condition, a dermatologist will prescribe an anti-parasite treatment.

Face mites are still creepy, but the good news is: you don't need to put up with them. With a consistent skincare routine and a few mite-attacking skincare ingredients, you can put an end to demodex inhabiting your face.