Hickeys—also known as love bites or kiss marks—are a form of bruise that occurs when suction or biting causes tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, to break under the skin. Though these marks are often considered a playful or affectionate gesture, they can also be an embarrassing reminder of a romantic encounter. Whether you need to get rid of a hickey for an important event or simply want to speed up its healing process, you’re not alone in seeking ways to remove a hickey quickly.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various methods and remedies for how to remove a hickey fast. From home treatments to makeup tricks, we’ve got everything you need to get rid of a hickey and feel confident again.
What Is a Hickey and Why Does It Appear?
A hickey is a bruise that forms when suction or biting damages small blood vessels just beneath the surface of the skin. The blood that leaks from these blood vessels pools underneath the skin, resulting in the dark, red, purple, or even black mark that we recognize as a hickey.
Hickeys typically appear on soft, sensitive areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, or arms, where the skin is more prone to bruising. The intensity of a hickey depends on how hard the suction or biting is, the area of the skin involved, and the person’s individual skin type. While hickeys are generally harmless, they can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to heal completely.
How Long Does It Take for a Hickey to Heal?
On average, a hickey will take 5 to 12 days to heal. The process of healing typically goes through several stages:
- Day 1-2: The hickey will appear red or purple due to fresh blood pooling under the skin.
- Day 3-5: The bruise darkens, turning blue or purple as the blood begins to break down.
- Day 6-12: The hickey fades to yellow or green as the body reabsorbs the pooled blood.
The exact time it takes for a hickey to disappear depends on factors such as the severity of the mark, your skin type, and your body’s natural healing process. While hickeys generally go away on their own, there are methods to help speed up healing or make them less noticeable in the meantime.
How to Remove a Hickey Fast: Proven Methods
If you find yourself with a hickey that you need to remove quickly, there are several techniques and remedies that can help speed up the healing process or make the hickey less visible. Below, we outline some of the most effective ways to remove a hickey fast.
1. Apply a Cold Compress (First 24 Hours)
One of the most effective methods for getting rid of a hickey quickly is applying a cold compress to the area right after it occurs. The cold temperature helps to constrict blood vessels and limit the amount of blood that pools under the skin, potentially minimizing the size and severity of the bruise.
How to Use It:
- Wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a cold pack.
- Apply the cold compress to the hickey for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Repeat this process for the first 24 hours after getting the hickey.
Cold compresses are most effective right after a hickey forms, as they can prevent the bruise from deepening in color and size. However, after 48 hours, the cold compress may not be as helpful, and it’s better to switch to other remedies.
2. Apply a Warm Compress (After 48 Hours)
After the first 24 to 48 hours, applying a warm compress can be beneficial. The heat helps to stimulate blood circulation to the area, which speeds up the body’s natural healing process. The warmth will also encourage the blood that has pooled under the skin to break down and be absorbed by your body more quickly.
How to Use It:
- Soak a clean cloth in warm water or use a heating pad.
- Apply the warm compress to the hickey for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times per day.
Warm compresses are most effective after the initial swelling has gone down, and they can help the bruise fade faster in the later stages of healing.
3. Gently Massage the Hickey
Once the pain and swelling associated with the hickey have subsided, gentle massage can help speed up the healing process. Massaging the area can stimulate circulation, break up the pooled blood, and encourage faster absorption by the body.
How to Do It:
- Use your fingers to gently massage the hickey in small, circular motions.
- Be sure to apply light pressure to avoid irritating the area further.
- Massage the hickey for 2-3 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day.
Avoid massaging the hickey too soon after it forms, as this could increase the bruising or swelling. Wait until the mark has started to heal before attempting massage.
4. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent remedy for reducing swelling and redness associated with bruising. Aloe vera can also promote faster healing by encouraging the skin to repair itself.
How to Use It:
- Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the hickey.
- Allow the gel to sit on the skin for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Repeat this process several times a day for maximum benefits.
Aloe vera can help soothe the skin and reduce any discomfort associated with the hickey, making it a great choice for speeding up the healing process.
5. Use Vitamin K Cream
Vitamin K is known to support the body’s ability to break down and absorb pooled blood, making it a useful tool for healing bruises. Applying vitamin K cream directly to a hickey can help accelerate the healing process and reduce the bruise’s appearance more quickly.
How to Use It:
- Apply a thin layer of vitamin K cream to the hickey.
- Gently massage it into the skin.
- Leave the cream on for a few hours or overnight, depending on the product instructions.
Vitamin K can be found in most drugstores, and it’s an effective option for those looking to remove a hickey faster.
6. Arnica Gel or Cream
Arnica is a natural remedy that is commonly used to reduce bruising and inflammation. It has been shown to help accelerate the healing process by improving blood circulation and reducing swelling.
How to Use It:
- Apply arnica gel or arnica cream directly to the hickey.
- Massage it into the area gently.
- Apply the gel or cream 2-3 times a day for optimal results.
Arnica is particularly useful for larger or more severe hickeys, as it helps reduce both swelling and discoloration.
7. Try a Toothbrush Technique
While this method may seem unusual, some people find that gently stimulating the hickey with a soft-bristled toothbrush can help break up the blood pooled under the skin, encouraging it to disperse and heal faster.
How to Use It:
- Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently rub it over the hickey in small, circular motions for 1-2 minutes.
- Apply light pressure and avoid scrubbing too hard, as this could irritate the skin further.
Use this technique carefully, as it can worsen the appearance of a hickey if applied too forcefully. However, it can be effective in reducing the mark’s appearance over time.
8. Use Makeup to Conceal the Hickey
If you need to hide a hickey quickly for a special occasion or a busy day, makeup can be a life-saver. Full-coverage foundation and color-correcting concealers can help mask the bruise until it heals naturally.
How to Use It:
- Start with a color-correcting concealer to neutralize the color of the hickey. For example, use green concealer to neutralize the red or purple hue.
- Apply a full-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone over the concealer.
- Set the makeup with translucent powder to prevent smudging and ensure it stays in place.
This method is only a temporary fix, but it can be incredibly effective in hiding a hickey when you need to look your best.
9. Lemon Juice and Banana Peel
Some people find that lemon juice and banana peels can help lighten the color of a hickey and speed up the healing process. The vitamin C in lemon juice can help lighten bruises, while the potassium in banana peels can reduce swelling and promote healing.
How to Use It:
- Apply fresh lemon juice to the hickey with a cotton ball and leave it on for about 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Alternatively, take the inside of a banana peel and rub it over the hickey for 15-20 minutes.
Both of these natural remedies can help reduce the appearance of a hickey, although results may vary.
How to Prevent a Hickey
If you’re not keen on dealing with the aftermath of a hickey, it’s possible to take steps to avoid getting one in the first place:
- Communicate with your partner: Let your partner know that you’d prefer not to get a hickey.
- Be gentle: If you’re giving or receiving a hickey, avoid excessive pressure or sucking too hard.
- Wear clothing that covers sensitive areas: If you’re concerned about hickeys, try wearing scarves, turtlenecks, or higher collars to protect the area from marks.
Conclusion
Hickeys may be a fun, temporary mark of affection, but if you need to get rid of them quickly, there are several effective methods you can try. From cold and warm compresses to aloe vera gel, vitamin K creams, and makeup, these remedies can help you remove a hickey fast or make it less noticeable. With a combination of patience, time, and the right treatments, you can heal a hickey and move on with your day. Whether you’re dealing with a small love bite or a more severe mark, the solutions above can help you restore your confidence and get back to feeling your best!
