Skincare routine mistake that attracts ‘contagious’ face mites shared by expert

As winter sets in, our immune systems often weaken, which can result in an increase in the number of face mites.

Various wintertime factors, such as stress, alcohol consumption, hot drinks, and rapid changes in temperature, can further contribute to this issue.

Dr Anil Sharma from Sharma Skin and Hair Surgery explains that Demodex mites, also referred to as face mites, are tiny organisms that live in the hair follicles and oil glands of the face, neck, and chest.

Though these mites are typically harmless and even aid in the removal of dead skin cells, they can cause skin irritation when their population grows too large. This can lead to symptoms such as redness, itching, or small bumps.

He shared: “If you’re noticing persistent roughness, flaky or scaly skin, itchiness, or unexpected redness, these could be signs of Demodex folliculorum overpopulation.

“The presence of inflamed bumps or whitehead-like pimples, as well as symptoms like burning, sensitivity, or even eczema, also point to an excess of these mites.”

He continued: “In cases where the mites affect your eyes, you might develop blepharitis, an irritation of the eyelids, along with itching or even a loss of eyelashes.”

There are two main types of Demodex mites that live on humans: Demodex folliculorum, which resides in small hair follicles, such as those around the eyelashes, where it feeds on skin cells, and Demodex brevis, which inhabits the sebaceous glands in hair follicles and consumes the sebum (oil) that the skin produces to moisturise and protect itself.

Dr Sharma explained: “Face mites may be feeding off the bacteria and oils left behind by your products. This can lead to irritation right after you’ve finished your skincare or makeup routine.”

To minimise irritation and keep the mite population under control, Dr Sharma recommended:

Examine your products for allergens

If you suspect you might be allergic to a product, it’s a good idea to do a patch test. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on the inner arm and wait 24–48 hours to see if any reaction occurs.

If irritation or redness develops, discontinue use of the product. It’s also good to check for common allergens in the ingredient list, such as fragrances, dyes, or preservatives.

Clean your makeup tools regularly

Dr Sharma recommends washing makeup brushes at least once a week to avoid product buildup. Use a mild cleanser like baby shampoo or one designed for brushes.

Wet the bristles with lukewarm water, gently massage the cleanser into the brush, and rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

Afterward, reshape the bristles and lay the brushes flat on a towel to dry. Avoid drying them upright as moisture may seep into the handle and damage the bristles.

Use a hypochlorous acid spray to prepare your skin

This can help hydrate, calm irritation, and prevent the buildup of oils and bacteria that provide food for mites.

Keeping this balance can help maintain a healthy environment for your skin and keep mite populations under control.