A hickey is essentially a bruise caused by vigorous suction on the skin, which breaks tiny blood vessels under the surface. This creates a small pocket of blood visible as a mark on your skin. Unlike cuts or scrapes, hickeys don’t form a scab since they lack oxygen, but they do follow a predictable healing pattern—turning from red to purple, then brown, before fading completely.
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While harmless, a hickey can last over a week, becoming a source of embarrassment, especially at family dinners, work meetings, or social outings. If you’re eager to speed up the healing process, here are eight effective remedies to try.
1. Use Ice Right Away
If you act quickly, ice can help minimize a hickey. Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth or grab a bag of frozen peas and press it against the affected area for about 10 minutes. Take a short break before reapplying. The cold constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling, helping the mark fade faster.
2. Try Alcohol for Quick Relief
Alcohol can work wonders when applied immediately after the hickey forms. Dab a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently massage the area for a few minutes. This can help stimulate blood flow and fade the mark. Follow up with moisturizer to prevent the alcohol from drying out your skin.
3. Apply Heat After Two Days
If the hickey lingers after a couple of days, switch to heat therapy. Applying warmth dilates blood vessels and improves circulation, helping to disperse the blood pooled under your skin. Soak a cloth in warm water and press it onto the hickey for about 15 minutes. Repeat a few times daily for the best results.
4. Use the Coin Trick
This old-school method can help if the hickey has created a slight bump. Stretch the skin around the hickey flat, then gently rub the mark with the edge of a coin. This action disperses the trapped blood, making the bruise less noticeable. Be cautious not to irritate your skin further.
5. Brush It Away
A soft toothbrush can also help reduce a hickey. Gently brush the area in circular motions, moving from the center outward. This encourages blood flow and helps break up the clot. Don’t overdo it, though—you don’t want to worsen the bruise. After brushing, apply a cool compress to soothe the skin.
6. Massage the Area
Massaging a hickey can effectively spread the blood trapped under the skin. Warm the area first with a damp cloth, then use your fingers to massage outward in small circles. Regular massages throughout the day can significantly speed up healing.
7. Try a Banana Peel
Banana peels aren’t just for compost—they’re surprisingly effective at soothing a hickey. Their cool and calming properties help reduce swelling. Cut a piece of peel slightly larger than the mark and press it onto your skin for 20 minutes. Repeat this process several times a day for visible results.
8. Use Peppermint or Toothpaste
The cooling effect of peppermint oil or toothpaste can help fade a hickey. Apply a small amount to the area and gently massage it into the skin. For peppermint oil, dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil to avoid irritation. However, avoid overusing these remedies as their potency can cause redness if applied too often.
When All Else Fails
If your hickey persists despite these tricks, you can always cover it up with makeup or a stylish scarf until it fully fades. In the meantime, these remedies should help reduce its visibility and speed up recovery.
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