A recent viral simulation has left viewers utterly disturbed - and perhaps a little itchy. The short but impactful video by Zack D. Films has unlocked a new wave of skin-related anxiety by showcasing how microscopic mites live, crawl, feed, and, yes, poop right on your face.

It sounds like a plot from a horror movie, but it’s a scientifically accurate depiction of a natural biological process happening on human skin - every single day. While our bodies are home to countless microbes, the idea that tiny creatures live in your pores and then explode with waste upon death has hit the internet like a digital jump scare.

Welcome to the secret life of Demodex mites, the miniature creatures that call your skin home.

A Living, Breathing Ecosystem - On Your Face

We often think of our skin as a protective barrier, but in reality, it's also a complex ecosystem teeming with life. According to dermatologists, Demodex mites, also called face mites, are eight-legged microscopic arachnids that live in the hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands of human skin - especially on the face, neck, and chest.

While these mites are not inherently dangerous, the viral simulation has brought renewed attention to their strange and unsettling habits. In the video, Zack D. Films explains:

"Tiny mites live in the pores on our faces and crawl around over our skin."

More disturbingly, he continues:

"They feed on the natural oils your skin produces but have no way to expel the waste. This means they expand with feces throughout their lives, and when they die, it's expelled back onto your skin."

Yes, you read that correctly: these mites essentially bloat with feces for their entire lifespan, and when they die, their tiny mite corpses rupture - releasing all of it directly into your skin’s ecosystem.

“New Fear Unlocked”: The Internet Reacts

Understandably, viewers of the simulation had visceral reactions. Comments ranged from comedic disbelief to genuine horror:

• "New fear unlocked: you could be a potential toilet for bugs."
• "'Just one more short before bed' 😂 The short: 💀😳."
• "Thanks Zack. Now I know that there is exploding poop blobs on my face."

The simulation, while educational, delivers its message in an uncomfortably vivid way that resonates with audiences - especially those who weren’t aware of these creatures’ existence.

The Science Behind the Shivers

Demodex mites come in two primary species that affect humans:

• Demodex folliculorum: Lives primarily in hair follicles.
• Demodex brevis: Resides deeper in the oil glands attached to the follicles.

Each mite is about 0.1 to 0.4 millimeters long - completely invisible to the naked eye. Despite their alarming habits, they don’t typically cause harm in small numbers and may even help by consuming dead skin cells and excess oil.

However, as Zack D. points out in his video, a buildup of mites - which can happen due to poor hygiene, weakened immune systems, or certain skin conditions - may trigger immune responses and visible skin issues:

"Your immune system reacts to this and causes the skin to swell and go red."

This can potentially lead to irritation, inflammation, and rosacea-like symptoms. In extreme cases, the mites may even migrate to eyelashes, causing discomfort or even loss of lashes.

Reproduction and Life Cycle: A Fast-Ticking Clock

If you're hoping that these mites are short-lived visitors, you're both right and wrong. Their entire life cycle, from egg to adulthood, occurs in just about two weeks. Here's how it plays out:

1. Eggs are laid inside hair follicles or oil glands and hatch in 3–4 days.
2. The larval mites go through multiple stages of development over the next few days.
3. They reach adulthood in about a week, mate, and continue the cycle.
4. Adults typically live for 14 to 16 days before dying - and releasing their built-up waste into the skin.

The speed and stealth of this process make it nearly impossible to detect without specialized equipment, meaning your skin could be home to hundreds, even thousands, of mites right now.

Why You Can’t Scrub Them Away

It might be tempting to reach for your harshest exfoliant or book an emergency facial, but unfortunately, scrubbing your face won't eliminate these mites. Since they live inside your follicles and glands, topical cleaning methods won’t reach them.

Dermatologists suggest that unless you're facing an active infestation or a skin condition linked to Demodex overpopulation, treatment isn’t necessary. Most of us coexist peacefully with these creatures our entire lives.

However, in cases where they do cause issues, doctors may prescribe metronidazole, a topical or oral antibiotic and antiparasitic medication. Other treatments may include tea tree oil, which has been found effective in reducing Demodex populations.

When to Seek Help

While most people live in blissful ignorance of their microscopic roommates, there are signs that may indicate a mite overgrowth:

• Persistent facial redness
• Rosacea or acne flare-ups that don’t respond to typical treatment
• Itchy or irritated eyelids
• Loss of eyelashes
• Feeling like something is crawling on your skin

In these cases, a visit to a dermatologist is recommended. A skin scraping or lash sample can confirm the presence of Demodex mites, and treatment can be tailored accordingly.

The Silver Lining: Mites Aren’t All Bad

As revolting as they may sound, Demodex mites aren't villains in the grand story of your skin. In moderation, they play a neutral - possibly even beneficial - role in maintaining skin health. By consuming excess oil and dead skin cells, they help reduce clogged pores and balance the skin’s surface environment.

Experts suggest that trying to eliminate all microbes from the skin isn’t just futile - it may be harmful. The goal should be balance, not sterility. An overzealous skincare routine or overuse of antibiotics can disrupt your skin microbiome and lead to new issues.

A Reminder of Nature’s Oddities

This viral simulation may have triggered a new wave of trypophobia and obsessive face-washing, but it also serves as a valuable reminder: our bodies are ecosystems, and the line between cleanliness and microbial life is finer than we think.

While it’s easy to be disturbed by what we can’t see, not all microscopic life is harmful. In fact, we depend on much of it to survive. Your skin, gut, and even your lungs host trillions of bacteria, fungi, and mites that keep your immune system strong, digestion smooth, and skin healthy.

Still, the idea of “exploding poop blobs” on your face is going to be tough to forget.

Final Thoughts: Gross but Grounded in Science

This simulation has stirred emotions not just for its visual impact, but because it challenges how we think about hygiene, skin care, and the hidden world beneath our surface.

Next time your face feels a little itchy, just remember - it might be natural. And if it’s any comfort, you’re far from alone. Everyone has these mites. They’ve been with you since childhood. And in a strange way, they're part of what makes you human.

But if you're suddenly itching for a deep-cleaning skincare routine or a dermatologist appointment, you're certainly not alone either.