The Demodex Solution
90-Day Member Program Portal
🔒 Members Only
Physician-Supported
Welcome to your program
The world's only protocol built around the 14–18 day mite lifecycle
Follow each week exactly as written. Every step — your supplements, topicals, diet, and tests — is timed precisely to the mite biology. This is why it works when everything else has failed.
90Days total
6Lifecycle cycles
3Protocol phases
4Layers of healing
Before you begin
Read this first — everything you need to know
Understanding the science before you start is what separates people who succeed from people who quit at day 5. This section takes 15 minutes. It will change how you see your skin forever.
Day 0Preparation
The mite lifecycle — why 90 days is the minimum
Stage 1EggDays 1–3
Stage 2LarvaDays 3–5
Stage 3ProtonymphDays 5–8
Stage 4DeutonymphDays 8–12
Stage 5AdultDays 12–18
DeathIn follicleBacterial release
Why you failed before: Most treatments last 1–2 weeks — exactly enough time to kill the adults but not interrupt eggs already laid. The population rebuilds from those eggs. This protocol spans 6 complete cycles (90 days), which is the minimum to achieve lasting population control. Every single decision in this program is timed to this biology.
⚠ The Herxheimer Reaction — read this before Week 1
When mites die inside your follicle, they release bacterial endotoxins (Bacillus oleronius) and proteases. This triggers a temporary inflammatory response. Days 3–7 of the program your symptoms will temporarily worsen — more redness, more itch, more breakouts. This is not the treatment failing. This is exactly what success looks like. Members who know this stay the course. Members who don't know this quit on day 5.
Days 1–2Starting the protocol. Mild to no change.
Days 3–7Herxheimer flare. Mites dying. This is good.
Days 8–14Inflammation begins settling. First visible change.
Days 14–36Cycle 2 underway. Continued population reduction.
Days 37+Stabilization begins. Skin visibly improving.
Your three DermaDEX supplement phases — overview
DermaDEX Purify — Phase 1
Black Walnut + Oregano + Clove. The kill stack. Maximum antiparasitic pressure across lifecycle cycles 1 and 2. Weeks 1–6.
DermaDEX Shield — Phase 2
Berberine + Olive Leaf + Zinc + Quercetin. Microbial support and immune rebalancing. Weeks 5–9, overlapping with Phase 1 taper.
DermaDEX Renew — Phase 3
Vitamin D3 + K2 + Probiotics. Gut-skin axis restoration and long-term immune harmony. Weeks 9–12 and ongoing maintenance.
Your Ovante topical products — what you have and when
Tea Tree Oil Cleanser for Eyelids & Face
Terpinen-4-ol disrupts mite mating at the follicle opening. The cornerstone topical of Phase 1.
Weeks 1–6: Morning and evening. 60-second circular massage. Leave 30 seconds before rinsing.
Demodex-Prone Skin Cleansing Bar
Microbiome method — sulfur and herbal actives target mite habitat while supporting skin barrier.
Weeks 1–12: Use in shower daily for face, scalp, or body depending on your condition.
Ovante Eyelid & Lash Wipes
Extra strength. Specifically designed for Demodex blepharitis. Removes collarettes and disrupts lid margin mite habitat.
Daily, lifelong: Once every morning. Gently wipe along upper lash line.
Folliculitis Shampoo
Anti-fungal, anti-dandruff formula for scalp Demodex, folliculitis, and scalp psoriasis. Dermatologist-reviewed.
Scalp conditions: 3× per week, leave on 3–5 minutes before rinsing. Replace regular shampoo.
Before you start — your baseline checklist
Take baseline photosFront face, close-up of affected areas, eyelid margin if blepharitis. Date them. These are your before photos — the comparison at day 90 will be the most motivating moment of the program.
Score your symptoms today (1–10)Morning itch intensity, skin redness, collarettes visible (yes/no), gut symptoms (bloating, irregularity). Write these down in your program journal or notes app. You will repeat this at week 6 and day 90.
Eliminate now: sugar, alcohol, gluten, dairyRemove these today — before supplements begin. These are the primary substrates that feed mite population growth. No supplement works optimally in a high-sugar inflammatory gut environment.
Replace your pillowcase todayMites survive up to 54 hours on fabric. Fresh pillowcase before you start. Wash weekly at 60°C (140°F) throughout the program.
Replace all eye makeup and brushesMascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow applicators. These harbor mites and reintroduce them during treatment. A fresh start is non-negotiable for blepharitis members.
Join the private Facebook groupThe community is where you post questions, share progress, and connect with others at the same stage. Link in your welcome email. Members who engage with the community complete the program at a significantly higher rate.
Download and print the 90-day calendarPut it on your fridge or bathroom mirror. Check off each day. The visual progress of crossing days off is one of the most powerful compliance tools available.
Phase 1 — Elimination
Week 1 — Initiate the kill
You are beginning Lifecycle Cycle 1. Today the mites don't know what's coming. By day 7, they will. Expect the Herxheimer flare at days 3–7 — this is the protocol working. Do not stop. Do not reduce doses.
Days 1–7Lifecycle Cycle 1, Days 1–7
Your daily protocol — follow this every single day this week
AM
Morning routineOn waking — Magnesium glycinate 300mg + Milk thistle 250mgTake together with a large glass of water. These prep the liver and detox pathways before any antiparasitic herbs.
With breakfast — DermaDEX Purify (Phase 1) — 2 capsulesBlack Walnut + Oregano + Clove. Take with food to prevent GI irritation. This is your anchor antiparasitic. Do not skip.
After breakfast — Ovante Tea Tree Oil CleanserWet face. Apply cleanser. 60-second circular massage focusing on nose, cheeks, forehead, chin — where sebaceous glands concentrate. Leave 30 seconds. Rinse.
Blepharitis members only — Eyelid Lash WipeOne wipe along the upper lash line, horizontal motion. This disrupts collarette buildup and removes mite waste from the previous night's activity.
With breakfast — Herbal Demodex Support Tea or Berberine TeaOne cup. These herbal blends provide continuous low-level antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory support between supplement doses.
PM
Evening routineWith dinner — DermaDEX Purify (Phase 1) — 2 capsulesSecond dose. Mites are most active at night — this evening dose maximizes circulating antiparasitic compounds during peak mite activity hours.
With dinner — Quercetin 500mg + Vitamin C 500mgQuercetin is the most important supplement for making the Herxheimer reaction tolerable — it stabilizes mast cells and reduces histamine response to die-off toxins.
Before bed — Ovante Tea Tree Oil CleanserRepeat morning application. Mites mate at the follicle opening between 10pm–2am. The evening cleanse disrupts this process and reduces the next generation of eggs laid.
Scalp members only — Folliculitis Shampoo3× this week (e.g. Mon/Wed/Fri). Leave on scalp 3–5 minutes before rinsing. Replace your regular shampoo entirely during the program.
Before sleep — Magnesium glycinate 300mgSecond dose. Supports liver detox during sleep when the body processes die-off toxins. Also improves sleep quality — critical because cortisol from poor sleep directly suppresses the immune response that controls mite populations.
This week's supplements — complete stack
DermaDEX™ Purify — Phase 1 Gut & Skin Cleanse
Black Walnut · Oregano · Clove — the antiparasitic kill stack
Phase 1
DermaDEX™ Purify
Black Walnut Hull · Oregano Oil (70%+ carvacrol) · Clove (eugenol)
Black Walnut Hull: Juglone inhibits mite metabolic enzymes and disrupts ATP production. Also potently antifungal — addresses the Candida coinfection that occurs in 60–80% of chronic Demodex cases.
Oregano Oil: Carvacrol disrupts mite cell membrane integrity and kills Bacillus oleronius — the bacteria mites carry and release upon death. The combination with Black Walnut targets mites through two completely different mechanisms, preventing adaptation.
Clove (eugenol): Targets mite egg viability — the stage most other treatments miss entirely. Also provides natural pain and itch modulation during the Herxheimer flare. Critical for Week 1 comfort.
Oregano Oil: Carvacrol disrupts mite cell membrane integrity and kills Bacillus oleronius — the bacteria mites carry and release upon death. The combination with Black Walnut targets mites through two completely different mechanisms, preventing adaptation.
Clove (eugenol): Targets mite egg viability — the stage most other treatments miss entirely. Also provides natural pain and itch modulation during the Herxheimer flare. Critical for Week 1 comfort.
2 caps
2× daily
With food
Supporting supplements — Week 1
Liver protection · Detox support · Herxheimer management
Liver
Milk thistle (silymarin) 250mg
Protects and primes the liver which must simultaneously process antiparasitic herb metabolites AND mite die-off endotoxins. Non-negotiable in Week 1.
250mg
2× daily with meals
Detox
Magnesium glycinate 300mg
Opens detox pathways and regulates bowel transit so mite die-off toxins exit rather than recirculate into the bloodstream. Also reduces cortisol — high cortisol directly suppresses the immune response that controls mite populations.
300mg
AM + before bed
Herx
Quercetin 500mg
The most important supplement for Week 1 tolerance. Stabilizes mast cells and reduces histamine response to die-off toxins. This is what makes the Herxheimer reaction survivable. Introduce day 3 — before the flare peaks.
500mg
With meals, 2×
Immune
Vitamin D3 + K2 (4,000 IU D3 / 100mcg K2)
Vitamin D deficiency correlates directly with parasitic skin susceptibility. D3 activates the innate immune response in skin. K2 prevents D3-induced calcium dysregulation. Take with a fat-containing meal for absorption.
4,000 IU
Once daily, with fat
Mineral
Zinc bisglycinate 25mg
Zinc deficiency is documented in elevated Demodex cases. Reduces sebum production via 5α-reductase inhibition — directly cutting the mite's food supply. Also activates immune response against ectoparasites.
25mg
With dinner
Cycling rule — important: After 14 days (one complete lifecycle), you will rotate one antiparasitic herb off for 7 days. This mirrors the mite lifecycle and prevents mite adaptation to the herbs. You will be guided through each rotation as it occurs. Do not stop all herbs simultaneously — always keep at least one running.
This week's Ovante topicals — application guide
Tea Tree Oil Cleanser — Face & Eyelids
Your primary Phase 1 topical. Terpinen-4-ol disrupts mite mating at the follicle opening which occurs at night. The circular massage technique is critical — it physically disrupts the environment where mites mate.
Technique: Wet face. Apply small amount. Circular motion for 60 seconds focusing on nose, cheeks, forehead, chin (highest sebaceous gland density). Leave 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry — never rub.
Frequency this week: Morning and evening, every single day.
Frequency this week: Morning and evening, every single day.
Demodex-Prone Skin Cleansing Bar
Use in the shower for body, back, or scalp areas with Demodex-related conditions. The sulfur and herbal actives work through contact time — do not rush the rinse.
Body and scalp: Lather and leave on affected areas 2–3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Frequency this week: Daily in shower.
Frequency this week: Daily in shower.
Ovante Eyelid & Lash Wipes
Blepharitis members — this is your most important daily habit. Collarettes are mite waste products that accumulate at the lash base. They must be mechanically removed daily or they create a breeding environment.
Technique: Close eye. Wipe horizontally along upper lash line, base to tip. One wipe per eye. Use a fresh wipe for each eye. Never reuse.
Frequency: Every single morning. This habit is lifelong for blepharitis members.
Frequency: Every single morning. This habit is lifelong for blepharitis members.
Folliculitis Shampoo — scalp conditions
For members with scalp folliculitis, hair thinning, or dandruff linked to Demodex. Anti-fungal, anti-dandruff, dermatologist-reviewed formula.
Technique: Apply to wet scalp. Work into lather. Leave on 3–5 minutes (set a timer — this contact time is where the activity occurs). Rinse thoroughly.
Frequency this week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Frequency this week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
What to expect this week
Days 1–2: Setting the stage
Little to no visible change. The antiparasitic herbs are building up in your system. The diet change may cause mild detox symptoms — headache, fatigue. This is normal. Drink extra water. The mites don't know what's coming yet.
Days 3–7: The Herxheimer flare
Increased redness, itch, breakouts. Mites are dying and releasing endotoxins. Your quercetin is reducing the histamine response. Do not reduce doses. Do not stop. This is the only week in the program where things temporarily get worse. It will pass.
Days 7–14: First settling
Inflammation begins to settle as the first lifecycle cycle concludes. Morning itch may begin to reduce. Collarettes may be less dense. This is the first tangible evidence that the protocol is working.
Phase 1 — Elimination
Week 2 — Completing cycle 1, beginning cycle 2
The first lifecycle cycle is completing. Any mites that survived Week 1 are now in their final days. New eggs laid in Week 1 are hatching into larvae. Your protocol must maintain full pressure through this second generation or they will rebuild.
Days 8–14Lifecycle Cycle 1 completing
Week 2 milestone: If you experienced a Herxheimer flare in days 3–7, that confirms mites were dying — the protocol is working exactly as designed. Your morning itch score should be lower than Week 1. If it is not, increase your quercetin to 3× daily this week.
Changes this week — same protocol, add L-Glutamine
AM
Morning — same as Week 1, plus one additionOn waking — NEW: L-Glutamine 5g powder in waterRepairs intestinal tight junctions damaged by Candida and gut dysbiosis. This is the gut-lining repair agent. Take on an empty stomach before anything else. The Demodex-Candida-gut connection means gut healing is not optional — it is the foundation.
All Week 1 morning supplements continue unchangedMagnesium + Milk Thistle + DermaDEX Purify + Quercetin + D3/K2 + Zinc. Do not reduce any doses.
All topicals continue unchangedTea Tree Cleanser × 2 daily, Eyelid Wipes if blepharitis, Folliculitis Shampoo 3× if scalp.
PM
Evening — same as Week 1All Week 1 evening supplements continue unchangedDermaDEX Purify 2 caps + Quercetin + Vitamin C + Magnesium at bedtime.
Evening Tea Tree Cleanser continuesMites are still most active overnight — the evening cleanse remains critical throughout Phase 1.
Herbal tea — continue dailyOne cup of your Herbal Demodex Support Tea or Berberine Blood Sugar Tea. These maintain continuous low-level antiparasitic support between supplement doses.
Week 2 — self check
Morning itch: is it lower than Week 1?Score it 1–10 and compare to your baseline. A reduction — even 1 or 2 points — confirms the protocol is working. If unchanged, check that you are doing the evening cleanse correctly and not missing any supplement doses.
Collarettes (blepharitis): are they less dense?Look at your upper lash base after the morning wipe. Fewer or thinner waxy deposits indicates the mite population in your eyelid follicles is declining.
Gut symptoms: any change?Bloating, irregularity, cramping from the diet change should be improving. L-Glutamine beginning this week will accelerate gut healing. If symptoms worsen, post in the community — this may indicate a significant Candida die-off that needs protocol adjustment.
Pillowcase: have you washed it this week?Weekly minimum at 60°C. This is the most commonly skipped step and one of the most common reasons for partial progress.
Phase 1 — Elimination
Weeks 3–4 — Cycle 2: First rotation & deepening the protocol
You are entering lifecycle cycle 2. At day 14 you will rotate one antiparasitic herb off for 7 days — this mirrors the lifecycle and prevents mite adaptation. Wormwood is introduced this week as a third antiparasitic mechanism.
Days 15–28Lifecycle Cycle 2
Day 14 rotation: Pause oregano oil for 7 days (days 15–21). Continue Black Walnut and Clove at full dose. Reintroduce oregano at day 22. This cycling prevents mite adaptation — a population exposed to the same compound continuously will develop partial resistance. Rotating prevents this.
Week 3 supplement addition — Wormwood
Add: Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) 200mg
New antiparasitic mechanism — targets mite nervous system
Add Wk 3
Wormwood extract 200mg
Sesquiterpene lactones impair the mite nervous system through a completely different mechanism than Black Walnut or Oregano. Adding a third antiparasitic with a different target prevents any single mechanism from being the sole pressure point. Limit strictly: 3 weeks on, then 1 week off. Do not take continuously — wormwood has hepatotoxic potential at sustained high doses.
200mg
Morning, empty stomach, 1×
Weeks 3–4 — environmental deepening
Wash all face towels & pillowcases — again
60°C minimum. By week 3 you have been shedding dying mites onto fabric for 14 days. A second full laundry reset at week 3 significantly reduces reinfection risk during cycle 2.
Stress audit
Cortisol is the #1 mite rebound trigger. High stress suppresses the cutaneous immune response that controls mite populations. Identify your top 2 stress sources this week and make one change. Sleep before midnight — mites are most active 10pm–2am and poor sleep directly increases sebum and immune suppression.
Take progress photos
Day 21 photos from the same angles as your baseline. You may not see dramatic change yet — the mite population is declining but the skin's healing is just beginning. The comparison at day 90 will show what you cannot yet see at week 3.
Phase 1 — Elimination
Week 4 — Midpoint of Phase 1
You are now completing 2 full lifecycle cycles. The mite population should be 30–50% below your Day 1 level. Morning itch should be noticeably reduced. This week we prepare the gut for the Phase 2 transition beginning at week 6.
Days 22–28Cycle 2 completing
Week 4 addition — NAC for liver support
Add: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) 600mg
Glutathione precursor — liver detox support for sustained Phase 1
Add Wk 4
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) 600mg
Your liver has been processing antiparasitic herb metabolites AND mite die-off endotoxins for 4 weeks. NAC is the primary glutathione precursor — it replenishes the liver's most important detox molecule. By week 4 the liver needs this support to maintain efficacy through the remaining Phase 1 weeks without burnout. Take with milk thistle for synergistic liver protection.
600mg
Morning & evening
Phase 1 → Phase 2 Transition
Week 5 — Beginning the transition
The final week of full Phase 1 intensity. Next week you begin Phase 2 and DermaDEX Shield is introduced. Begin tapering wormwood this week (your 3-week cycle ends). Phase 1 herbs will reduce to a single daily dose in Week 6.
Days 29–35Transition week
Pause wormwood this week — you have completed 3 weeks on wormwood. Take it off for 1 week (week 5). Reintroduce at week 6 briefly before the full Phase 2 transition. Black Walnut and Clove continue at full dose.
Week 5 — gut preparation for Phase 2
Begin colostrum 2g — gut lining repair
Immunoglobulins in colostrum restore mucosal gut immunity. Particularly critical for members with Candida history. Begin this now so it has 2 weeks to establish before probiotics are introduced at week 7.
Begin Pantothenic acid (B5) 500mg
Regulates sebum production at the cellular level via CoA synthesis in sebocytes. Reducing the oily environment that feeds mites — this is a largely ignored element of mite management that provides significant long-term benefit.
Week 6 preview — DermaDEX Shield begins
Next week you will begin DermaDEX Shield (Berberine + Olive Leaf + Zinc + Quercetin). These supplements overlap with Phase 1 for 2 weeks before Phase 1 herbs are fully tapered. Read the Phase 2 week to prepare.
Phase 2 — Stabilization begins
Week 6 — The breakthrough week
This is the emotional turning point of the program. The mite population is now below clinical threshold. Skin visibly begins to change. DermaDEX Shield is introduced today. Probiotics begin next week. Phase 1 herbs taper to maintenance dose.
Days 36–42Lifecycle Cycle 3 · Phase 2 begins
Introduce: DermaDEX™ Shield — Phase 2 Skin & Microbial Support
DermaDEX™ Shield — Phase 2 Skin & Microbial Support
Berberine · Olive Leaf · Zinc · Quercetin
Phase 2
DermaDEX™ Shield
Berberine HCl · Olive Leaf Extract (oleuropein) · Zinc · Quercetin
Berberine: Dual action — directly antiparasitic AND rebalances gut flora. Activates AMPK which reduces insulin-driven sebum signaling (the food signal that keeps mites proliferating). Antimicrobial against S. epidermidis which Demodex spreads.
Olive Leaf (oleuropein): Immune-modulating antiparasitic. Activates macrophage response against mite-related bacterial antigens. Gentler and more sustained than the Phase 1 herbs — designed to maintain low-level pressure while the body transitions to repair.
Zinc & Quercetin: Continue the sebum reduction and anti-inflammatory work from Phase 1, now formulated together for convenience. The combination is greater than individual supplementation.
Olive Leaf (oleuropein): Immune-modulating antiparasitic. Activates macrophage response against mite-related bacterial antigens. Gentler and more sustained than the Phase 1 herbs — designed to maintain low-level pressure while the body transitions to repair.
Zinc & Quercetin: Continue the sebum reduction and anti-inflammatory work from Phase 1, now formulated together for convenience. The combination is greater than individual supplementation.
As directed
With meals
Week 6 progress check — self assessment
Morning itch: score vs Day 1 baselineShould be 40–60% lower than your baseline score. If reduced by less than 30%, please post in the community or book a consultation call — a protocol adjustment may be needed.
Skin texture: smoother, less inflamed?Pores should be less congested. Redness should be calming. Papules/pustules should be reducing in frequency. Take Day 42 progress photos from your baseline angles.
Gut: significant improvement?Bloating, irregularity should be substantially improved. L-Glutamine has been working for 4 weeks. If gut symptoms persist significantly, increase to 10g L-Glutamine daily and introduce colostrum at 4g if not already started.
Consider: at-home Demodex density testThe Ovante at-home testing kit confirms your mite count at Day 42 vs. baseline. Seeing reduced numbers makes the protocol visually real and dramatically increases completion rates. Optional but strongly recommended at this milestone.
Phase 2 — Stabilization
Weeks 7–9 — Rebuild, repair, restore
Phase 1 herbs are now at maintenance dose only. The primary focus is rebuilding the skin barrier, restoring gut microbiome, and rebalancing immunity. Probiotics are introduced this week — timing is critical.
Days 43–63Lifecycle Cycles 3 & 4
Week 7 — introduce probiotics (timing is critical)
Why probiotics begin at week 7, not week 1: High-dose antiparasitic herbs suppress beneficial bacteria establishment. Introducing probiotics during the Phase 1 kill stack reduces their efficacy dramatically. Week 7 — after the primary antiparasitic pressure has reduced — is the optimal window. Earlier is not better.
Add: Multi-strain probiotic 50 billion CFU
Gut microbiome restoration — the immune foundation
Add Wk 7
Probiotic — 50 billion CFU multi-strain
L. acidophilus NCFM · L. rhamnosus GG · B. longum · B. bifidum
These specific strains target the gut-skin axis: L. acidophilus NCFM reduces inflammatory cytokines in the skin. L. rhamnosus GG restores mucosal immunity. B. longum reduces cortisol response (stress-mite rebound prevention). B. bifidum supports the skin microbiome directly. The combination restores the gut flora balance that controls systemic immunity and skin mite resistance — the root-cause layer of the protocol.
50B CFU
Morning, empty stomach
Weeks 7–9 — skin barrier repair protocol
Tea Tree Cleanser — reduce to once daily
Phase 1 antiparasitics can thin the skin barrier. Reducing to once daily (morning only) allows the barrier to begin repairing while maintaining mite population control.
Weeks 7–9: Morning only. Evening: switch to a gentle ceramide-based cleanser (fragrance-free, non-comedogenic).
Introduce: ceramide moisturizer
The skin barrier has been under significant challenge. Ceramides are the primary structural component of the barrier — replenishing them creates an environment that is physically inhospitable to mite recolonization.
Evening, daily: After evening cleanse. Fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic. Apply to damp skin. Add niacinamide serum beneath moisturizer if available.
Eyelid Wipes — continue daily forever
Blepharitis maintenance is lifelong. The meibomian gland anatomy means Demodex can re-establish from the conjunctival environment. Daily lid hygiene is the single non-negotiable lifelong habit for blepharitis members.
Every single morning. One wipe per eye, fresh wipe each time. This habit must continue after the 90-day program ends.
Phase 2 supplement additions — weeks 7–9
Add: Omega-3 EPA/DHA 2,000mg + Ashwagandha 300mg
Sebum modulation + cortisol regulation — the long-term defense
Add Wk 7
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) 2,000mg
Modifies sebum fatty acid composition — replaces linoleic acid (mite's preferred food substrate) with EPA/DHA (mites cannot use these). This is the ongoing dietary defense against mite overpopulation. Core supplement from Phase 2 onward — this continues forever as part of your maintenance protocol.
2,000mg
With largest meal
Add Wk 7
Ashwagandha KSM-66 300mg
Adaptogen — reduces cortisol, the hormone that suppresses the immune response controlling Demodex populations. Stress is the #1 mite rebound trigger. High stress → cortisol spike → immune suppression → mite proliferation. This supplement is the pharmacological intervention that breaks that chain. Particularly important for members in high-stress environments.
300mg
Morning + before bed
Phase 3 — Maintenance & Long-Term Control
Weeks 10–12 — The final phase & Day 90 assessment
DermaDEX Renew is introduced. The gut-skin axis is restored. The mite population should now be subclinical. Week 12 brings your Day 90 assessment — the moment you measure your results against baseline.
Days 64–90Lifecycle Cycles 5 & 6
Introduce: DermaDEX™ Renew — Phase 3 Gut-Skin Axis & Immune Harmony
DermaDEX™ Renew — Phase 3 Gut–Skin Axis & Immune Harmony
Vitamin D3 + K2 · Probiotics — the long-term foundation
Phase 3
DermaDEX™ Renew
Vitamin D3 + K2 · Multi-strain probiotics
Vitamin D3: Activates the innate immune response in skin that keeps mite populations subclinical. Deficiency is documented in elevated Demodex cases. Maintain serum 25(OH)D at 50–70 ng/mL — test every 6 months and adjust dose accordingly.
K2: Prevents D3-induced calcium dysregulation at therapeutic doses. Synergistic with D3 for optimal immune function without side effects.
Probiotics: Maintains the gut microbiome restoration achieved in Phase 2. Sustains the skin microbiome diversity that creates a natural mite-resistant environment. This product continues as your lifelong maintenance supplement alongside Omega-3.
K2: Prevents D3-induced calcium dysregulation at therapeutic doses. Synergistic with D3 for optimal immune function without side effects.
Probiotics: Maintains the gut microbiome restoration achieved in Phase 2. Sustains the skin microbiome diversity that creates a natural mite-resistant environment. This product continues as your lifelong maintenance supplement alongside Omega-3.
As directed
With fat-containing meal
Day 90 assessment — week 12
Take Day 90 photos — same angles as baselineSide by side with your Day 0 photos. This visual comparison is the most motivating moment in the program. Share it in the community if you're comfortable — your results inspire and guide everyone behind you.
Score all symptoms vs. Day 1 baselineMorning itch (should be 70%+ lower), skin texture, collarette density, gut symptoms, energy levels. Write these numbers down — they are your proof of results.
Ovante at-home test — final mite density countDay 90 retest vs. baseline. Mite count should be below 5/cm² (subclinical threshold) or reduced 70%+ from Day 0. This is your clinical proof of success. Post your results in the community.
Begin Phase 3 maintenance protocol — foreverDermaDEX Renew daily + Omega-3 daily + monthly 1-week berberine cycle + monthly 1-week black walnut cycle. This is the "mite pulse" — interrupting one lifecycle per month before any population can establish. Maintenance is not optional. Demodex is managed, not cured.
If results are partial: begin a second 90-day cycleSome members — particularly those with severe gut dysbiosis or long-term Candida history — need a second cycle. This is not failure. The biology is more complex. Book a consultation call if you would like a personalized protocol review for your second cycle.
Congratulations. You have completed 6 complete mite lifecycle cycles. You have done what no generic skincare routine, no antibiotic course, and no single product has ever done — you have addressed the root cause. What you now know about your skin is yours forever. The maintenance protocol keeps you here.
Throughout the program
The Demodex Diet — Your complete food guide
Every food on this list is categorized by its effect on sebum production, gut flora, and mite population density. Demodex mites feed on sebum. High-glycemic foods spike insulin → IGF-1 → sebocyte proliferation → excess sebum. This is the dietary science behind each category.
All 90 daysNon-negotiable
The science in one sentence: High glycemic load → insulin spike → IGF-1 elevation → increased sebum production → mite food supply increases → mite population grows. Every "No" food on this list has a direct mechanism connecting it to mite proliferation.
Phase 1 diet — strict elimination (weeks 1–6)
✓ EAT FREELY — Yes foods
Wild salmon, sardines, mackerel (omega-3 — modifies sebum fatty acids)
Leafy greens: spinach, kale, arugula, watercress
Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts (sulfur-rich)
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds (zinc + essential fatty acids)
Garlic and onion (natural allicin — antiparasitic and antifungal)
Bone broth (gut lining repair — collagen and glycine)
Ginger and turmeric (anti-inflammatory, gut microbiome support)
Apple cider vinegar — diluted (antifungal, gut pH support)
Coconut oil — cooking only (lauric acid, antifungal)
Eggs (protein, biotin — skin barrier support)
Avocado (healthy fats — skin barrier lipids)
Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries (low glycemic, antioxidant)
Green tea (EGCG — anti-inflammatory, reduces sebum)
Sweet potatoes — small portions (complex carbohydrate, beta-carotene)
Pasture-raised chicken and turkey
Lentils and legumes (low glycemic protein)
Herbal teas: Herbal Demodex Support, RosaceaBalance, Berberine Tea
✕ ELIMINATE — No foods (all 90 days)
All added sugar and sweeteners (spikes insulin → IGF-1 → sebum)
Alcohol (inflames gut barrier, triggers rosacea flares, immune suppressant)
Cow's dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt (raises IGF-1 directly, sebum-stimulating)
Gluten-containing grains: wheat, barley, rye (triggers zonulin → leaky gut → systemic inflammation)
Processed seed oils: canola, sunflower, soybean, corn (pro-inflammatory linoleic acid excess)
Coffee (cortisol-raising, acidic, dehydrating — worsens sebum dysregulation)
White rice, white bread, white pasta (high glycemic — rapid insulin spike)
Corn and corn products (high glycemic, common glyphosate residue source)
Processed meats: hot dogs, deli meats, bacon (preservatives, nitrates, inflammation)
Farmed fish (omega-6 dominant — worsens sebum fatty acid profile)
Fried foods (oxidized fats, high glycemic when breaded)
All soda and fruit juice (liquid sugar — rapid insulin spike)
Chocolate (sugar, dairy, stimulant — triple trigger)
Spicy foods (vasodilation — rosacea trigger)
? LIMIT — Maybe foods (introduce in Phase 2)
Goat and sheep dairy (lower IGF-1 than cow dairy — reintroduce at week 7, one item at a time)
Brown rice and quinoa (lower glycemic than white — reintroduce at week 7)
Bananas and mangoes (medium glycemic — test individually)
Oats — certified gluten-free only (may be tolerated by some after week 7)
Dark chocolate 85%+ (minimal sugar, some anti-inflammatory benefits — after week 7)
Fermented foods: coconut kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut (probiotic — introduce gradually in Phase 2)
Honey — raw only (antibiotic properties, but still glycemic — use sparingly after week 7)
Tomatoes (acidic, may trigger rosacea in some — test individually)
Citrus fruits (acidic, vitamin C benefit vs. rosacea trigger — individual response)
Nightshades: peppers, eggplant (inflammatory for some — test individually)
Reintroduction protocol (Phase 2, week 7+)
Introduce one Maybe food every 3 days. Wait 72 hours for any skin response (redness increase, itch increase, new breakouts). If a response occurs within 72 hours, that food is a personal trigger — return it to your No list permanently. Your trigger foods are individual. The protocol identifies them for you through this systematic reintroduction.
Program-wide
Testing guide — measure, confirm, prove
Testing transforms this program from belief to evidence. Members who test at baseline and Day 90 have measurable, documented proof of their results. These before/after numbers are the most powerful thing you can share with your doctor.
Key milestonesDay 0, 42, 90
| When | Test | What you're measuring | Target result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0 — Baseline | Demodex skin surface test (Ovante kit) OR dermatologist SSSB | Mite density per cm². Clinical demodicosis threshold: >5 mites/cm² | Establish your baseline number — everything is compared to this |
| Day 0 — Baseline | Symptom self-score (1–10) for each condition | Morning itch, skin redness, collarette density, gut symptoms | Your personal baseline scores in your program journal |
| Day 7 | Herxheimer self-check | Did you experience a symptom flare days 3–7? | Yes = mites dying = protocol working. No flare = may need dose review |
| Day 42 | Optional: Ovante at-home retest + symptom rescore | Mite population mid-program | 40–60% reduction from Day 0 baseline |
| Day 42 | Blood panel (if accessible): Vitamin D, Zinc serum, CRP | Nutritional status and inflammation marker | D: rising toward 50+ ng/mL. CRP: declining. Zinc: in range |
| Day 90 | Full Demodex density retest (required for certificate) | Final mite count vs. Day 0 baseline | Below 5 mites/cm² (subclinical) or 70%+ reduction from Day 0 |
| Day 90 | Full symptom rescore vs. Day 0 | All conditions vs. baseline | 70%+ improvement across all symptom scores |
| Every 6 months | Vitamin D and Zinc serum | Maintenance nutritional status | Adjust DermaDEX Renew dose to maintain D at 50–70 ng/mL |
How to get tested by your doctor: Ask your dermatologist for a Standardized Skin Surface Biopsy (SSSB). Show them the demodex.net research library if they are unfamiliar with the test. For ophthalmologists: ask for a slit-lamp examination specifically looking for collarettes at the base of the upper lashes. This is a simple exam finding they can add to any routine visit. Bring your Day 0 and Day 90 scores to show your physician — this documentation supports continued monitoring and legitimizes the protocol you have followed.
Private member access
Your private community — you are not alone in this
Members who engage with the community complete the program at a significantly higher rate than those who go it alone. This is the space to ask questions, share wins, get through hard weeks, and connect with people who truly understand what you're experiencing.
All 90 daysActive support
The Demodex Solution — Private Member Community
Join the group
Science posts
Progress sharing
Protocol questions
Weekly live Q&As
Physician Q&As
Recipe sharing
Herxheimer support
What happens in the community each week
Monday
Science Monday — A plain-English summary of one published Demodex study. Understanding the science behind what you're doing increases compliance.
Tuesday
Tip Tuesday — A practical protocol tip from Marina tied to where most members are in the program that week.
Wednesday
Member spotlight — One member's progress highlighted (with permission). Before/after descriptions. Their Herxheimer story. This is the most motivating content in the group.
Thursday
Recipe Thursday — One Demodex Diet recipe from the cookbook. Photo + ingredients + why each ingredient supports the protocol. Highest engagement day.
Friday
Q&A Friday — Open questions answered by Marina or the advisory team. If a question is asked 3 times, it becomes a new program resource.
Monthly
Live Q&A call — Marina on Zoom, 45 minutes, open questions. Recorded and added to the program. Physician advisory guests quarterly.
Medical disclaimer
This program is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or have a diagnosed medical condition. The protocols in this program are based on published research and clinical experience and are designed to complement, not replace, professional medical care.