I. Introduction
A hickey, also known as a love bite, is a bruise that appears on the skin when someone sucks or bites hard enough to break blood vessels underneath. It can be embarrassing, especially when it’s in plain sight. Knowing how to remove a hickey quickly can be beneficial in reducing the appearance of the bruise.
II. Ice
Ice can help to reduce swelling and bruising by constricting blood vessels. If you have a hickey, grab an ice pack or some ice cubes wrapped in a paper towel. Hold it against the hickey for 10-20 minutes at a time, taking breaks if necessary, with intervals of 20 minutes in between. Repeat the process a few times a day.
III. Toothbrush
Using a toothbrush can break up blood clots that would otherwise turn into bruises. To use this method, softly brush the hickey in two different directions for several minutes. This should be done as soon as possible after getting a hickey, for better and quicker results. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, since a hard brush may cause more harm than good.
IV. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe the skin. Its gel can also help reduce the appearance of a hickey. To use this method, apply aloe vera gel to the hickey and leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Repeat the process multiple times a day until the hickey is gone.
V. Vitamin K and C
Vitamin K and C can assist in the absorption and reabsorption of blood clots that make up hickeys. Fresh oranges, broccoli, and kale are all excellent sources of vitamin C, while dark leafy greens, liver, and dairy products are excellent sources of vitamin K. Consider increasing your daily consumption of these foods to help your body recover from a hickey.
VI. Arnica
Arnica can reduce swelling and bruising with its anti-inflammatory properties. To use this method, apply arnica gel to the hickey at least twice a day and gently massage it into the skin. A few other popular natural remedies are witch hazel and Calendula Oil, which also work to reduce swelling.
VII. Warm Compress
As with ice, heat can increase blood flow and speed up the healing process. Apply a warm, damp towel, directly on the hickey for around 15 minutes at a time a few times each day. Make sure the towel is hot enough to be warm but not burning to the skin.
VIII. Makeup
Makeup is an excellent alternative for people who can’t remove a hickey quickly enough. If you’re struggling with a hickey, you can cover it with concealer and foundation. Choose a concealer and foundation that matches your skin tone, dab them onto the hickey, and blend them in thoroughly. This option is particularly useful for people who need to cover up the hickey for work or other public outings.
IX. Conclusion
Getting a hickey can be embarrassing, but now you know how to remove them in seconds. With these tips, you can quickly get rid of a hickey and avoid the embarrassment that follows. Remember to test these methods before applying them to your skin for the first time, and don’t forget that results may vary, but they’re worth trying.
Additional remedies that have been successful include Epsom Salt, rubbing alcohol, and lavender essential oil. If hickeys come on more frequently than expected,
reinforce boundaries or consider alternatives to excessively hard biting or choking.
