How to Get Rid of a Hickey: 12 Tips & Tricks
Hickeys can be both a source of pride and embarrassment. These love bites, caused by the suction or biting of the skin, result in broken blood vessels and a reddish-purple bruise.
You might be seeking quick and effective ways to minimize their appearance or get rid of them altogether. In this article, we will provide you with tips and tricks to help you deal with hickeys. These methods focus on reducing swelling, speeding up healing, and utilizing natural ingredients to alleviate the bruise.
How Long Will My Hickey Last?
A hickey is a type of bruise caused by the suction of skin, usually on the neck or other sensitive areas.
This is a result of the breaking of small blood vessels under the skin, typically due to trauma similar to suction or biting. The severity and healing time vary with each individual, depending on multiple factors like skin sensitivity and the intensity of the suction.
For most people, a hickey tends to last anywhere between three days and two weeks. However, this time frame can vary depending on the degree of bruising and your body’s natural healing process.
It’s normal for your hickey to change color during the healing process. Initially, it may appear to be a dark red or purple mark, which gradually fades to a lighter shade over time before completely disappearing. Remember, be patient, and give your body time to heal naturally.
How You Can Get Rid of a Hickey
Several methods can hasten the fading of a hickey, from cold compresses to topical treatments. This section explores ways to minimize their appearance effectively and expediently.
Cold Compress
A cold compress can help you heal a hickey quicker by reducing the swelling. The cool temperature slows down the flow of blood from the vessels into the skin, effectively minimizing the severity of the bruise.
Place an ice pack or cold compress over the hickey as soon as you notice it. If possible, avoid applying it directly to your skin and use a cloth or towel to avoid frostbite. Hold it in place for about 10-20 minutes several times a day.
Using a Cold Spoon
Alternatively, try using a cold spoon. Chill it in the freezer for a few minutes, then gently press the rounded side against the bruise. The cold spoon effectively constricts blood vessels, reducing further bleeding into the skin.
Remember to keep the cold compress approach brief to avoid damaging your skin. Be patient as the healing process takes time.
Warm Compress
Using a warm compress can help boost blood flow to the area, promoting healing and reducing swelling. Apply the compress to the hickey for 10-15 minutes several times daily.
The heat from the compress will dilate your blood vessels, allowing for better circulation and faster healing. Be sure not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause pain and worsen the blemish.
Massage the Area
To further support the healing process, gently massage the hickey and surrounding area. Use your fingers to apply light pressure in circular motions for 5-minute sessions several times a day.
This can help break up the blood pooled under the skin and promote circulation. The combination of massaging and warm compresses can contribute to a quicker recovery and reduce pain. Remember to be gentle to avoid causing any additional discomfort or injury.
Topical Vitamin K
Vitamin K hastens the healing process by boosting your body’s process of reabsorbing pooled blood. Spread a cream or gel enriched with this vitamin on the hickey twice a day, morning and night.
In addition to topical application, you can also consume foods rich in Vitamin K, such as kale and spinach, to expedite healing. This dual approach can help diminish the appearance of the hickey faster.
Banana Peel Mask
Banana peels, rich in vitamins and nutrients, can calm your skin’s reaction to a hickey. For this method, cut a piece of peel to the size of your hickey, place the inside of the peel on the bruise, and leave it on for about 15 to 30 minutes.
Repeat this method two to three times a day. The soothing effect can help reduce the redness and accelerate the healing process.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil can stimulate blood circulation and help dissipate a hickey. Apply a few drops to the affected area twice a day; be cautious, as it may cause a slight tingling sensation.
Dilute it with a carrier oil if it causes irritation. The cooling effect of mint can help reduce swelling, thereby hastening the healing process. Keep it on for a few minutes before washing it off.
Topical Vitamin C
Vitamin C, known for its potent healing abilities, can expedite the healing of a hickey. Apply a cream or serum rich in this vitamin to the affected area. This can help reduce the redness and speed up the process of skin repair.
Additionally, consuming foods high in Vitamin C, like oranges or strawberries, further promotes healing. This dual approach can contribute to the faster disappearance of your hickey.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter, known for its excellent moisturizing properties, can enhance skin repair to reduce a hickey. Apply this butter gently on the bruise after a warm compress. This helps pores absorb it better, promoting skin elasticity and cell rejuvenation.
Use this method several times a day until the hickey disappears. Remember to massage the area gently to enhance blood circulation, expediting the healing process.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is renowned for its natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to a hickey, it helps reduce skin sensitivity and accelerates the healing process. Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel on the affected area twice a day to reap its benefits.
As well as relieving initial pain, Aloe Vera helps to keep the skin moisturized, promoting regeneration and speeding up the disappearance of the hickey. Remember to clean the area before reapplication.
Arnica
Arnica, a popular homeopathic remedy, is known to reduce swelling and speed up healing. Applying an arnica-based cream or gel to your hickey can help dissolve the bruise faster.
For best results, apply this remedy soon after getting the hickey. Arnica’s effectiveness lessens as the bruise ages, so early application can make a significant difference.
Medical Treatments
A dermatologist can provide professional advice in treating a hickey. They are trained and knowledgeable in understanding the healing process of bruises and managing pain and swelling.
In the case of a hickey, OTC pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen, may help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
Remember that your body will naturally heal the hickey over time. Patience is key, as it may take several days to fade fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a quick method to remove a hickey?
A fast way to minimize a hickey is by applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel. Place it on the hickey for 10-20 minutes multiple times a day.
This helps constrict blood vessels, reducing bleeding and swelling.
Can toothpaste help in hickey removal?
Toothpaste can be useful for hickey removal, but results may vary. Gently apply a small amount to the area and leave it on for a few minutes.
You may feel a tingling sensation, allowing you to know it’s working. Rinse it off afterwards.
How does using a coin assist in getting rid of a hickey?
Using a coin or a spoon helps by breaking up the blood clot and allowing it to disperse. After cooling the area with a compress, stretch the skin gently and scrape the coin’s edge over the hickey.
This might cause redness, which should fade soon.
Do any creams help in hickey removal?
Over-the-counter creams with vitamin K, arnica, or bromelain might help in reducing a hickey. Apply the cream gently as directed.
These substances may aid in breaking down blood clots and speeding up the healing process.
What is an effective hickey removal hack?
An effective hack is using the back of a cold spoon. Place a spoon in the freezer and let it chill. Then, press the spoon back to the hickey for a few minutes.
This will help constrict blood vessels and limit the hickey’s appearance.
Can a whisk help in removing a hickey?
Yes, a whisk may assist in hickey removal. Gently rolling the whisk’s looped end over the affected area stimulates circulation, breaking up blood clots and promoting healing.
Do this for 5-10 minutes, but avoid excessive pressure to prevent skin irritation.
