CLEAR

Updated December 5th 2023

If you’ve just learned about the link between Demodex mites and rosacea and are looking for a natural treatment, you’re at the right place.

In this article, we’re going to go over what Demodex mites are, why they affect rosacea skin, and how to treat Demodex mites naturally.

What are Demodex mites?

Microscopic Demodex mites are a natural part of the human microbiome — the ecological community of microorganisms that live within and on the body. There are two species of Demodex mites found in humans: Demodex folliculorum which live in hair follicles, primarily on the face as well as in the meibomian glands of the eyelids and Demodex brevis which live in the sebaceous glands of the skin.

Demodex folliculorum’s true connection to rosacea may be linked to a distinct bacterium associated with the mites, called Bacillus oleronius.

Not everyone with rosacea has an overabundance of Demodex mites so if you’re reading this and you’re unsure if you struggle with these buggers, read on to determine if that’s the case for you or not.

Why are Demodex mites more prevalent on rosacea skin?

While Demodex folliculorum are found on the skin of all humans, they frequently occur in greater numbers in people with rosacea. There has been much debate as to whether their increased numbers are a cause or result of rosacea. However, evidence appears that an overabundance of Demodex may possibly trigger an immune response in people with rosacea, or that the inflammation may be caused by certain bacteria associated with the mites.

From rosacea.org:

“Rosacea is currently considered by most authors as a disease of the immune system, an inflammatory process including innate and then adaptive immune responses, which gets out of control resulting in vascular, inflammatory, and hypertrophic symptoms.

While it likely induces immunotolerance, Demodex is also able to stimulate the immune system’s defense reaction [34, 43, 57, 58, 104, 110]. It stimulates Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) [58], resulting in an increased production of LL-37, with the subsequent angiogenesis and inflammation that are described in rosacea [15–18]. This implies the existence of a vicious circle including ETR, mite proliferation, and inflammation [10].

Demodex proliferation, therefore, seems to contribute to the continuum process in rosacea across all phenotypes.”

How do you know if you have Demodex mites?

You’ll know you have Demodex mites if you have red, blotchy breakouts every 3 weeks or so (this is the living cycle of mites, more on that below). Sometimes these breakouts will show up in strange patterns like a zig-zag or will occur at the same spots on your face.

You may also feel an itching, crawling sensation on the face, scalp, or other parts of the body. Usually, this is felt at night (the mites are said to be more active at night) but I’ve also heard people report that their skin would itch when their skin feels “hot” mid-day.

Another unfortunate side effect of Demodex mites is enlarged pores and you may also see pustular papular rosacea with damaged capillaries and thickening of the nose.

Although again, we’re not sure which one comes first, the Demodex causing the initial inflammation or the Demodex being attracted/finding it easier to thrive on inflamed, rosacea skin.

Photo from rosacea.org

Functional Nutrition & Herbal Medicine For Rosacea

As a Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Skin Herbalist, Certified Advanced Transformative Coach, and someone who’s personally been on a rosacea healing journey, I’m equipped to work with clients in a unique capacity.

My approach – which is personalized and designed to support each of my clients’ bio-individuality – enables me to get to the root cause(s) that brings about skin inflammation.

Once we’ve pinpointed the possible root causes (emotional, physical, or environmental), we work to support the body back into balance, so it can heal itself.

The result? Clear, glowing skin.

Diagnosis of Demodex mites

Definitive diagnosis of Demodex involves viewing an epilated eyelash under the microscope or scraping of the skin. An ophthalmologist, dermatologist, or Naturopathic practitioner equipped with a good microscope would be able to do this for you.

Dr. Sharol wrote on her blog You are The Healer: “You can see the mites with a good 10X magnifying glass in the skin if you tease them out with tea tree oil. It usually works best to put some diluted tea tree oil on the skin and wait for 5 minutes and apply again. Wait a couple of minutes and look. Be aware it is hard to find them and see them. You have to purchase a high-quality hand lens to see them. “

Why it’s difficult to get rid of Demodex mites (but still possible)

Because they spend most of their time tucked inside the pores and only come out at night to mate and then lay back inside sebaceous gland/follicles to lay their eggs (sorry, I know it’s disgusting) which will create the next round of mites, it’s a little challenging to get rid of them, in a short period of time at least.

Patience (and not losing hope!) is key as you will most likely need to stay the course with your Demodex / rosacea skincare regime for 2 to 3 months, maybe longer.

Tackling rosacea & Demodex mites from the inside-out

Even the best, most effective skincare products or Demodex mites treatments will not work if you do not address the inflammatory response in your body that’s causing rosacea in the first place.

Unfortunately, in our society where allopathic medicine dominates, we are told that rosacea is incurable (not true) and prescribes pharmaceutical quick fixes always end up making things worse. Suppressing symptoms only has your body speak louder trying to get your attention on what’s going inside that needs healing. The popular medications given to rosacea patients such as antibiotics destroy the gut microbiome, which you need for optimum digestion AND to have clear skin. Pretty much everyone that I’ve spoken to that was prescribed medications report temporary relief or worsening of symptoms in the long run.

Remember, rosacea is not a skin condition, it is the result of inflammation in the body. 

Your skin is a mirror showing you what needs to be addressed on a deeper level, the problem is most people are trying to “fix” their skin, never looking at the root cause. Rosacea is not a curse, your skin is not angry and it’s not her fault. Your skin is trying to tell you something, your job is to investigate to get to the root cause. 

In client’s sessions, I always make sure they have a clear plan to heal their gut, support their liver’s detoxification process, lower histamine and inflammatory foods, and lower the overall inflammation in the body which is one of the culprits causing rosacea in the first place. Looking into immune response, hormonal imbalances and stress is also key to getting to the root cause.

As you investigate the root cause, you may need to invest in functional testing in order to pinpoint specifically what’s going on in the body, especially if elimination diets haven’t worked.

Functional testing will help identify:

• Pathogens in the gut that may be causing dysbiosis
• Food sensitivities
• SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
• Hormonal imbalances
• Heavy metal toxicity

This is a functional approach to healing that ensures long-term success.

Making the terrain inhospitable for Demodex mites by lowering systemic inflammation and supporting your body’s overall health

As I just mentioned, to fully heal rosacea and achieve a healthy skin microbiome, going to the root cause is key.

While you are working with a Functional or Naturopathic practitioner, consider also supporting your body and skin health by ensuring that you have adequate levels of vitamins and minerals.

You may need to add Vitamin A, vitamin D, E, B vitamins, vitamin C (a building block for clear skin), magnesium, zinc, selenium, and high-quality omega 3 fatty acids. A probiotic can be a good idea to help restore the gut microbiome (assuming you’ve removed inflammatory foods in the first place) however since SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is present in a large number of rosacea patients, you’ll want to rule out SIBO before adding MORE bacteria to your gut microbiome or you’ll make things worst.

Low stomach acid (low levels of HCL) is also an issue, and addressing that can have an immediate effect on your skin.

I’ve mentioned the link between low HLC (hydrochloric acid) and rosacea and the need to restore the proper function of hydrochloric acid in the stomach: a good Super Enzyme formula with ox bile and HCL can make a huge difference in your digestion and ultimately the look of your skin. Before we even look at healing gut dysbiosis, we need to optimize digestion via the stomach. I’ve seen so many people go through SIBO treatments (including myself) only to have the protocol fail because not enough focus was put on stomach acid.

A reminder here that we are not after supplemental quick fixes but that knowing what to look for will have you be better prepared in future conversations with a holistic practitioner.

If this feels like too much information and you’d like some guidance on where to start you can book a rosacea consult with me. We’ll create a clear map with simple action steps so that you do not feel overwhelmed nor waste your time and money on supplements or treatments that you may not need.

Natural Treatment For Demodex Mites & Rosacea

*Please be discerning with essential oils if you have rosacea. Most rosacea skin is already sensitized and fragile, it may be a better option to opt for a face oil that does not contain essential oils such as Calm Skin Calendula and Radiantly Clear Face Oil.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil 

One of the most studied natural solutions for Demodex mites in rosacea is tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) in the form of essential oil.

Although tea tree oil likely has multiple modes of action and likely contains multiple molecular species with antimicrobial properties, since it has an action against bacteria, fungus, and parasites terpinen‐4‐ol is the most active tea tree oil molecular compound against Demodex. [Source]

“Australian tea tree oil (TTO) and its extract terpinen-4-ol (T4O) are found to be effective in moderating demodex-related diseases. Their possible effects are lowering the mite counts, relieving the demodex-related symptoms and modulating the immune system especially the inflammatory response.” [Source]

These are just a few of the studies you’ll find when you Google “benefits of tea tree oil in killing Demodex mites.”

But before you run out and get yourself a bottle of Melaleuca, I must warn you that tea tree oil is EXTREMELY potent and can burn your skin!

Essential oils are very effective plant medicine but why are VERY potent and can cause skin sensitivity. Knowing how to use them safely is paramount otherwise you risk damaging your skin barrier further.  This blend is formulated with essential oils and will work for most rosacea skin, including sensitized skin.

Other Essential oils for Demodex mites

Although tea tree oil is the most studied, there are a number of really effective essential oils that can make the skin microbiome unfavorable to Demodex mites as well such as:

Frankincense (from Boswellia carterii, frereana, sacra and papyrifera)

Frankincense contains a complex mixture of monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene, Limonene, alpha-Thujene, and beta-Pinene. Frankincense has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties. Frankincense benefits include the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, and defense mechanisms against bacteria. Frankincense’s cytophylactic properties stimulate cell regeneration and also protect older cells from free radical damage.

Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)

Manuka essential oil has a unique chemical composition, including several volatile aromatic compounds that are rarely found in other essential oils. These compounds are triketones: molecules containing three ketone groups in their chemical structure. By concentration, the most present triketones in Manuka essential oil are sesquiterpenes, E-calamenene, and leptospermone.

Manuka oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiparasitic, medicinal, therapeutic properties. [Source]

We use Manuka essential oils in our Radiantly Clear EOS formulation.

Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)

Roman chamomile’s main chemical components (4-methylamyl angelate, isobutyl angelate, isoamyl tiglate) contribute to the oil’s calming, cooling and soothing properties for the skin. The biological effects of EOs cover a wide range of effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activity. [Source]

If you are sensitive to essential oils, look for a face oil that uses an infusion of chamomile and other medicinal plants such as The Appease Anti-Itch Face Oil.

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)

Helichrysum is supportive of aging, damaged, and inflamed skin. helichrysum significantly enhances the rejuvenation process of cells which supports skin health. It has an overall cleansing effect while uplifting the mood and lowering stress. Due to its cooling action, helichrysum is beneficial for inflamed skin.

Helichrysum is used in our ultra-popular skin-saving balm.

Copaiba (Copaifera reticulata, officinalis, coriacea,and langsdorffii)

Copaiba help clarify the skin and reduce the appearance of acne and blemishes.

Beta-caryophyllene, a major constituent of copaiba oil, has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and massage onto your skin to help reduce swelling and redness. It can also help with skin conditions like Rosacea and Eczema.

Copaiba essential oil and oleoresin contain large amounts of beta-caryophyllene, a molecule that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your skin. This causes skin cells to produce beta-endorphin, one of the happiness hormones.

Beta-caryophyllene is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent and copaiba is one of the safest oils to use on the skin. It can be very useful in healing, soothing irritation and treating chronic skin disease. [Source]

Combining these oils to Melaleuca can make the formula that much more effective to combat Demodex mites. You’ll find this blend already made for you in the Radiantly Clear Botanical Rosacea / Demodex Skincare system.

Antibacterial carrier oils

While many natural skincare brands use Jojoba, Apricot, Raspberry seed oil… they will do nothing for Demodex mites. When choosing a carrier oil for skincare products, you’ll want to look for carrier oils that have a potent anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect.

Carrier oils that will make the terrain inhospitable for mites are:

Black Cumin Seed oil (Nigella sativa) 

Used topically, Black Cumin Seed Carrier Oil hydrates, soothes, smoothes, and nourish the skin, addresses fungal infections and blemishes, promotes the skin’s reparation and regeneration, thus facilitating a smoother, clearer, and brighter complexion

Black Cumin Seed Carrier Oil eliminates harmful topical bacteria, stimulates a strong immune response, facilitates skin’s healing process, and eases muscular aches and joint pain.

Black Cumin Seed oil is the main oil I used in the Radiantly Clear Face Oil formulated to tackle Demodex mites while reducing redness and keeping the skin hydrated and plump.

Neem oil (Azadirachta indica)

Neem Oil is rich in fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid), limonoids, vitamin E, triglycerides, and antioxidants. All of these ingredients provide immense benefits for the skin.

Neem oil is also medicinal. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, it’s used to treat many skin diseases and infections.

Organic Neem Oil is used in the Radiantly Clear Essential Oil Blend.

Hydrosols to balance the PH of your skin

While using a hydrosol will not kill Demodex mites, it will help maintain a healthy skin barrier. The healthier your skin barrier is, the better equipped she is to fight off the mites.

Using a pure flower hydrosol can also do wonders in maintaining an optimum PH balance as well as gently nourishing the skin when using hydrosols made with pure plant botanicals. In the Radiantly Clear Botanical Skincare System, I specifically selected pure organic rose, melissa, helichrysum italycum, and carrot seed oil hydrosols. Combined together, these magnificent flower waters hydrate, nourish and calm stressed, inflamed skin.

*Finding a pure hydrosol that does not contain alcohol is extremely hard to find. For my Radiantly Clear system, I’m working with a local master distiller that only uses and bottles pure hydrosols.

Learn more about hydrosols for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin here.

Other plant compounds that may help tackle Demodex mites:

• Aloe is a natural moisture retainer and has antibacterial properties. Ever since adding aloe + MSM to my skincare routine, my skin is less dry, especially in winter.

• MSM sulfur (used in my Aloe & MSM Serum) has been shown to kill Demodex mites when used consistently. From JAAD (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology): “These antibacterial properties have been demonstrated against Propionibacterium acnes, some Streptococci, and Staphylococcus aureus. Sulphur has also been shown to kill Demodex mites, which have been implicated as a possible causative factor in rosacea.”[Source]

Demodex mites and rosacea skincare ritual

If you are currently battling with Demodex breakouts you’ll want to be very consistent with your skincare regimen.

Here are my top tips to make the most of your skincare ritual:

#1 Once a week, use a gentle botanical exfoliating powder that will deeply cleanse and get rid of dead skin cells. Do not overuse exfoliants though, as they may aggravate your skin.

You may also want to look for a non-foaming tea tree oil cleanser (foaming cleansers are notorious for drying out the skin.)

#2 Use pure flower hydrosol to calm and soothe your skin throughout the day. I leave a few hydrosols in the frig and it’s wonderfully cooling and soothing! A pure hydrosol can be used even if you’re wearing makeup although you will get the most benefit on clean skin.

#3 Leave your face oil or EOS roller bottle by your bed at night so you can reach it easily if your skin starts to itch.

#4 A honey mask has natural antibacterial properties. You can DYI this by blending a teaspoon of the Botanical Cleansing & Exfoliating Powder with local organic honey to make a mask 2 or 3 times a week. This mask is deeply soothing and nourishing to dry, itchy skin.

#5 Change your pillowcase every day and wash your hair often. You don’t want to sleep on a dirty pillowcase or have greasy hair rub on your face during the night. We’re not aiming for perfection or obsession here so do what makes sense.

#6 If your skin is super dry, opt for a nourishing balm at bedtime. You can help the balm penetrate deeper by massaging your face with your fingers or using a gua sha or Kansa wand tool. It’s a beautiful ritual to do before bedtime. Learn more about gua sha and rosacea.

#7 Taking some time to rest and rejuvenate will do wonders for your skin by supporting your body in entering a parasympathetic state. A constant “on the go” stressful state can keep healing at bay, as the body cannot heal when stressed. So make sure you integrate self-care practices in your everyday life such as sophrology, meditation and yoga nidra.

#8 Be kind to yourself. There’s nothing worse than negative self-talk, especially when we look in the mirror and are unhappy with our skin. Change your inner dialogue and be kind to yourself. Our skin and body are constantly trying to get back into an optimum state of balance and health. Our language and thoughts play a key role in our healing. Being aware of negative self-talk and stopping it dead in its tracks is crucial if you’re ever going to experience full and complete healing.

How to use the Radiantly Clear System formulated for Rosacea / Demodex

In the morning, start with the Botanical Cleansing & Exfoliating Powder (which I leave on my face to “act” for at least 5 minutes) followed by the Aloe & MSM Serum.

Next, abundantly mist your face with Soothing Flower Water (inhale deeply, it smells so good!) following up with the Radiantly Clear Face Oil. Mist the hydrosol again and press the pure plant water molecule into your skin. You will love how plump and hydrated your skin feels!

If you have Demodex or rosacea breakouts, roll the Radiantly Clear Essential Oil Blend on targeted areas, and feel free to repeat throughout the day if you’re not wearing makeup.

Leave the products to work before putting on any SPF or makeup. If you can, allow for 10 / 15 minutes.

If you do not wear makeup you can use your hydrosol and Radiantly Clear Essential Oil Blend throughout the day if needed.

I hope this article was helpful, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions and most of all, don’t give up! Getting rid of Demodex mites and healing rosacea is absolutely possible and it’s possible for you too!

Healing rosacea is possible!

Getting rid of the overabundance of Demodex mites and healing rosacea is absolutely possible. As you’ve read today, it involves a holistic, mind-body approach.

Wherever you are on your journey to glow, please don’t give up. As someone who’s been on the journey myself, I know how challenging it can be. But if you take one step at a time and stay consistent and apply a functional approach to healing, you will see results.

Healing rosacea is possible!

Getting rid of the overabundance of Demodex mites and healing rosacea is absolutely possible. As you’ve read today, it involves a holistic, mind-body approach.

Wherever you are on your journey to glow, please don’t give up. As someone who’s been on the journey myself, I know how challenging it can be. But if you take one step at a time and stay consistent and apply a functional approach to healing, you will see results.

If you need extra guidance, visit my new website healrosaceanaturally.com