Believe it or not, there are billions of microorganisms that currently inhabit your skin, hair and eyelashes. Fortunately for us, though, we can’t see these tiny microbes and, for the most part, they are completely harmless. Still, in some cases, too many of the same type of microorganism living in a particular space can lead to adverse effects on skin and eye health. One such questionable microbe is a specific type of microscopic mite called demodex. Read on to learn more about what this mite is and how a compound called T4O can help to get rid of it.

What Are Demodex Mites?

Although there are 65 known species of demodex mites, only two are known to live on human skin and eyelashes [1]. Those species, demodex folliculorum and demodex brevis, are found on virtually everyone’s skin. However, when an infestation occurs and too many demodex mites inhabit one particular area, signs of a skin condition called rosacea and/or eye conditions like ocular rosacea and blepharitis can develop [2, 3].

Some of the most common symptoms of both ocular rosacea and blepharitis include red, dry, itchy eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and a “gritty” sensation within the eyes. The biggest difference between these two eye conditions, though, is that ocular rosacea is typically linked with skin-related rosacea, while blepharitis does not affect other areas of the skin and is instead solely an inflammation of the eyelids.

How T4O Works to Eliminate Demodex

T4O, also called 4-Terpineol, is one of the 15 compounds found in tea tree oil. For years, tea tree oil had been regarded as the go-to treatment for killing demodex and alleviating symptoms of blepharitis and other similar eye conditions. However, the latest research has found that T4O is the most efficient compound at eliminating demodex mites, even more so than pure tea tree oil [4].

One of the biggest benefits of using T4O over pure tea tree oil to kill demodex is that T4O has been shown to be reduce demodex at concentrations as low as 1% [4]. This means that isolated T4O is toxic to demodex mites and can help to eliminate demodex, therefore eliminating signs of blepharitis and ocular rosacea while still remaining gentle on the skin. Moreover, isolating T4O from pure tea tree oil eliminates the antagonistic effects that other compounds have been shown to have when attempting to kill potentially harmful demodex mites [4]. T4O is toxic to demodex mites and

Where to Find T4O in Eyelid Cleansing Products

Currently, Cliradex is the only commercially available eyelid cleansing product that isolates T4O. Cliradex comes in both towelettes and a light cleansing foam. Each product is gentle enough to be used regularly twice each day to help improve your eyelid hygiene and help alleviate signs of redness, dryness and itchiness caused by a buildup of demodex mites and/or harmful bacteria on the eyelids or lashes.

Cliradex products are gentle enough to be used in the delicate eye area. Using Cliradex wipes is as simple as closing your eyes, gently patting your eyelid with one side of the towelette, then flipping over to the other side and repeating with the other eye.

To use Cliradex Light Foam, start by washing your hands and face, then rub about a dime-sized amount of the product between your fingertips into a lather. Close your eyes and apply to the eye area and surrounding facial area. Avoid putting Cliradex Light Foam in your eyes. If you get the product in your eyes, gently rinse your eyes. Contact your physician if you experience prolonged discomfort.

In Summary

Don’t ignore signs of dry, red or itchy eyes, as these could be symptoms of an underlying condition like blepharitis, dry eye syndrome or ocular rosacea. Instead, begin using a gentle, effective eyelid cleanser like Cliradex to improve your eyelid hygiene and eliminate the source of the problem.

[1] Indian Journal of Dermatology

[2] National Rosacea Society

[3] Ocular Surface Research and Education Foundation

[4] Translational Vision Science and Technology