From Parasite to Partner
What may have started as a parasitic relationship appears to have evolved into something closer to symbiosis. As the mites became more specialized and genetically reduced, they grew entirely dependent on human skin. In return, humans may benefit from their presence.
By consuming excess oils and clearing debris, Demodex mites may help reduce pore blockages and support overall skin balance. Rather than harming us, they quietly contribute to maintaining a healthy skin ecosystem.
What Would Happen If They Disappeared?
If Demodex mites vanished, the consequences are unclear — but not necessarily positive. Without their oil-clearing role, pores might clog more easily, potentially contributing to skin issues. Their absence would also signal a larger disruption in the delicate microbial ecosystem that supports skin health.
Because these mites are so closely tied to humans, their decline could reflect broader environmental or biological changes affecting countless other species as well.
