The tiny mites that have s*x on our faces have a problem
By Sam Harris
Newsbeat reporter

Published
7 minutes ago

Demodex follicularum, the mite that lives in our face


Demodex follicularum, as the scientists call them, are just 0.3mm long

Exfoliate, moisturise and SPF every day are the standard in most people's skincare routine.

But what about pore cleaning mites like Demodex folliculorum that spend their entire life living deep in our faces?

At night, the 0.3mm long organisms leave the pores to find a new skin follicle, meet a partner and mate.

But a new study has found the mites could be facing a problem as their DNA is eroding, meaning they are close to extinction.

Now we know what you're thinking.

And if you're rushing to the bathroom, grabbing all the face wash you own and scrubbing every inch of your skin, you won't get very far - they live too deep in your skin to ever be washed out.

If it gives you some comfort, more than 90% of us are hosts to these mites and have provided them a home since birth as they're passed on during brea*tfeeding.


Yep, this is the mite that lives in our face

Dr Alejandra Perotti, from the University of Reading, co-authored the study and says we should be "grateful" to offer the mites a home and have such an intimate relationship with them.

"They're very tiny and cute. There's nothing to be concerned about having them. They clean our pores and keep them flat," she tells Radio 1 Newsbeat.

"Don't be worried. Be happy you have a small microscopic creature living with you, they don't do any damage."

There are thousands of mites living on your face.

The study shows just how close our relationship is with them, but also how the mites have the smallest number of genes in any insect, arachnid or crustacean.

The gene which protects the mite's body from UV light has been lost but in all fairness they are only active at night.

And it's that night-time activity that might cause you to squirm...

"In the night, whilst we're in a deep sleep, they visit the pores to have s*x and have babies," Dr Perotti says.

Yes, these creatures are using our pores like the Love Island hideaway. Nice.


Research suggests the species could be on its way to being completely dependant on us as humans to survive

The study shows that as their genetic diversity gets smaller, their dependence on us increases - meaning they are at risk of possible extinction.

For example, the research expected to find the gene which wakes up the mites and sends them to sleep but it wasn't present.

Instead, the organism detects the lower amount of hormones secreted in the skin whilst we're asleep and it's this which triggers them to wake up.

These adaptations are causing the issue. The more they adapt to us, the more genes they lose and eventually they will become entirely dependent on us for their existence.

Because of this dependence they won't be able to leave our pores and find a new mate to couple up with. Well and truly putting all their eggs in one basket.

So what's the issue if we do lose them?

"They are a*sociated with healthy skin, so if we lose them you could face problems with your skin," Dr Perotti adds.



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Symbiosis keeps everything together and moves it forward.

There is no good or bad. We made that sh*t up. Biodiversity is winners and losers.

I use Noxzema so I’m good.

Y'all nasty nikkas don't be changing your sheets

Sharks have fish that suck they skin all day too.

It is what it is. Everything is a place to live for other things

HaterVision said I use Noxzema so I’m good.

Gotta bleach wash them sheets every 1-2 days.

Ldogg310v2 said Sharks have fish that suck they skin all day too. It is what it is. Everything is a place to live for other things

Either adapt or find a niche. If you end up dependent on a specific resource, make sure that resource is renewable. Otherwise, Darwin will be calling.

Hopefully humans aren't too dependent on oil and fossil fuels because we definitely designed to be a car-oriented society. A lot of us would die if we didnt have a car to drive us to the things that should optimally be within walking distance. Our cities and towns aren't really designed for human orientation, at least in the majority of the united states. And very few of us have a locally-sourced diet.

n*ggaz talking about just washing sheets like it’s not in your fu*king face

Did any of you actually read the article?? This sh*t is INSIDE your fu*king face, they come out when you are sleeping and go BACK INSIDE your fu*king face. WTF does that have to do with washing your sheets??

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Daddy Black said Did any of you actually read the article?? This sh*t is INSIDE your fu*king face, they come out when you are sleeping and go BACK INSIDE your fu*king face. WTF does that have to do with washing your sheets??

Man they gon get more Astringent now lol

ATLDOPEBOI24 said n*ggaz talking about just washing sheets like it’s not in your fu*king face

Lmfao

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I tape it and watch later. Some pretty hot stuff going on after hours ;)

Lowkey c*ck block thread.

Every single mammal on this planet has parasites. We coexist with them. Candida, worms, certain bacterias, etc. This goes for meat eaters and true vegans. Even the air you breath can have parasites in it. Your body's systems just know how to keep them in line and down to certain numbers.

Still need to clean your body, clothes and bed sheets though as a precaution though. You'd be surprised at how man mothafu*kas who dont even wash their a*ses correctly. Then wonder why they itch and tingle so much throughout the day lol.

Oh yeah. If you abnormally itch alot at night, thats a classic signs of parasites. Because thats when many of them like to become active.

A single drop of water:

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Lol imagine some of the parasites nogs got in their bodies

HaterVision said I use Noxzema so I’m good.

That sh*t increases your estrogen levels

You about to grow t*ts!

ATLDOPEBOI24 said n*ggaz talking about just washing sheets like it’s not in your fu*king face

Thats where they set up shop when theyre not on your face

No matter how clean your face is, lay down in a best infested with them, and see what happens.

And look at the props this comment got.

Man, you short sighted a*s n*ggas k*ll me to death!

Every one of y'all got jizz bust on your face..

I could have live the rest of my life not knowing this one.

Life is hell, man

OniEdition said Thats where they set up shop when theyre not on your face No matter how clean your face is, lay down in a best infested with them, and see what happens. And look at the props this comment got. Man, you short sighted a*s n*ggas k*ll me to death!

Article clearly states they set up shop on your face and come out of your pores at night still on your face. You thinking about bed bugs mate.