A Denver dermatologist went viral for saying tiny eight-legged creatures live on our faces

Dr. Scott Walter, a dermatologist from Denver, recently went viral explaining the surprising presence of Demodex mites, tiny eight-legged creatures that live on our faces.

“They come out at night to eat our dead skin cells and mate,” Walter shared on TikTok, noting their ability to sense light as a cue to emerge. Almost everyone has these mites, particularly in areas with hair follicles like the eyebrows and eyelashes, and they are especially common in adults.

Demodex mites are typically harmless, but in some cases, they can trigger skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and dermatitis, as well as cause issues around the eyes and eyelashes. Walter demonstrated a simple test using clear tape to detect mites on his own skin, spotting one with what he described as a “full belly.”

These mites live for about two weeks. While their bodies decompose in the follicles after death, most people remain unaware of these microscopic guests, unless they develop symptoms. For anyone concerned, Walter advises good hygiene and, if needed, consulting a dermatologist for treatment.

In case you need to be grossed out even more, here’s the video:

@denverskindoc I, for one, welcome our microscopic divas with open pores 😘 #demodex #demodexmite #pores #dermatologist #science #nerd #oilglands #diva #microscopicdiva #microbiology ♬ original sound – Dr. Scott Walter | Derm