Many people are surprised to learn that their skin is home to microscopic organisms. Among them are tiny mites called Demodex, invisible to the naked eye and commonly found around hair follicles, eyelashes, and eyebrows.
Although this might sound unsettling, these mites are actually a normal part of the human skin ecosystem. Most adults carry them without ever noticing or experiencing any problems.
Scientists have studied Demodex for years, identifying two main types that live on humans. They spend their lives in hair follicles and oil glands, feeding on natural skin oils and dead skin cells.
Because they are so small, people rarely realize they are there. In most cases, they exist quietly and cause no irritation or discomfort at all.
