How to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast: Best Methods That Actually Work

Hickeys, also known as love bites or suction bruises, are a common and often embarrassing mark left on the skin after passionate moments with a partner. These unsightly marks can occur anywhere on the body, but are most frequently seen on the neck, upper chest, or arms. While hickeys are typically harmless and will fade over time, many people prefer to get rid of them quickly for personal or professional reasons. If you’re wondering how to get rid of a hickey fast, there are several effective methods that can help speed up the healing process.

In this article, we will explore the best techniques to reduce or eliminate a hickey quickly, ensuring your skin returns to its normal state in no time.

What Causes a Hickey?

Before diving into the methods for removing a hickey, it’s important to understand what causes one. A hickey occurs when someone sucks or gently bites the skin, causing small blood vessels under the surface of the skin (capillaries) to break. The blood that leaks out of these vessels gets trapped beneath the skin, leading to a red or purple mark that resembles a bruise.

While hickeys are not dangerous, they can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and may last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the bruise. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the visibility of a hickey, and in some cases, completely eliminate it faster than the body would naturally.

How Long Does It Take for a Hickey to Heal?

Hickeys are bruises, and like any bruise, they will heal naturally over time. On average, a hickey can take anywhere from 5 to 12 days to heal, depending on the size and severity of the bruise. The healing time can vary from person to person, as factors such as skin type, the individual’s healing process, and how the hickey is treated will affect its duration.

However, there are a number of ways you can help speed up the healing process and reduce the visibility of the hickey. Let’s take a closer look at the best methods for getting rid of a hickey fast.

1. Apply a Cold Compress to the Hickey

One of the most effective ways to treat a hickey in the early stages is by using a cold compress. This method works by constricting the blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the area, which helps to minimize the size of the bruise and decrease inflammation.

How to Use a Cold Compress:

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth or towel.
• Gently press the cold compress on the hickey for 10-20 minutes at a time.
• Repeat this process several times a day, especially in the first 24 hours after the hickey appears.

The cold compress works best immediately after the hickey forms, so it’s important to act quickly. Applying ice or a cold compress in the initial stages can significantly reduce the severity of the bruise.

2. Massage the Area

Massaging the hickey gently is another effective method to speed up its healing process. When you massage the area, you help stimulate blood circulation, which can break down the trapped blood beneath the skin. This can aid in the reabsorption of the blood and help the bruise fade more quickly.

How to Massage a Hickey:

• Use your fingers to gently massage the hickey in small, circular motions.
• Start at the outer edges and work your way toward the center of the bruise.
• Avoid pressing too hard, as this may aggravate the bruise or cause discomfort.

Massage the area 2-3 times a day for a few minutes each time. It’s essential to be gentle during this process to avoid making the bruise worse or causing pain.

3. Use Arnica Gel or Cream

Arnica is an herbal remedy known for its ability to reduce bruising and inflammation. It is often used to treat bruises, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries. Applying arnica gel or cream directly to the hickey can help to reduce swelling and accelerate healing.

How to Use Arnica for a Hickey:

• Apply a thin layer of arnica gel or cream to the hickey, making sure not to rub it in too vigorously.
• Let the gel or cream sit on the skin for a few minutes to allow it to absorb.
• Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until the hickey fades.

Arnica can be found in most drugstores or online, and it’s an excellent natural remedy for bruises, including hickeys. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions.

4. Apply Vitamin K Cream

Vitamin K is essential for the body’s ability to heal and repair bruised skin. Vitamin K creams are commonly used to treat dark spots and bruises, and they can also be effective in reducing the appearance of a hickey.

How to Use Vitamin K for a Hickey:

• Apply a small amount of Vitamin K cream to the hickey and massage it in gently.
• Leave it on for as long as possible, preferably overnight.
• Repeat this process daily until the hickey fades.

Vitamin K can help promote faster healing by encouraging blood clotting and reducing the visibility of the bruise. It is a popular choice for those looking to speed up the recovery of hickeys and bruises.

5. Warm Compress for Later Stages

After the first 48 hours have passed, switching from a cold compress to a warm compress can help speed up healing. Warmth increases blood flow to the area, which can help to break down any remaining blood clots beneath the skin.

How to Use a Warm Compress:

• Soak a cloth in warm (not hot) water and wring it out.
• Place the warm compress on the hickey for 10-15 minutes.
• Repeat 2-3 times a day as necessary.

The warm compress is especially effective during the later stages of healing, once the initial swelling and inflammation have decreased. It can help promote circulation and encourage the blood to disperse more evenly, speeding up the recovery time.

6. Apply Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying aloe vera gel to the hickey can help reduce redness and swelling, and it also promotes faster healing of bruised skin.

How to Use Aloe Vera for a Hickey:

• Squeeze out some fresh aloe vera gel from a plant or use store-bought gel.
• Apply a thin layer of the gel to the hickey and gently massage it in.
• Allow the gel to absorb into the skin, and repeat this process 2-3 times a day.

Aloe vera has both healing and moisturizing benefits, making it a great choice for treating hickeys and keeping your skin hydrated while it heals.

7. Makeup Concealer

If you need to cover up a hickey quickly, makeup can provide an effective temporary solution. You can use a color-correcting concealer to neutralize the purple or red hues of the hickey, making it much less noticeable.

How to Conceal a Hickey with Makeup:

• Use a green color corrector to counteract the redness and purple tones of the hickey.
• Apply a layer of your regular concealer over the color corrector.
• Blend well to match your skin tone.
• Set with a translucent powder to ensure the makeup stays in place.

This method works best when you need to hide the hickey for a short period of time, such as for work or a social event. While it doesn’t heal the hickey, it can help make it less visible until it naturally fades.

8. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Healthy Diet

Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet can support your body’s natural healing process. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated and promotes circulation, while eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to repair damaged tissues.

Some foods that may help speed up healing include:

• Vitamin C-rich foods (such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers) to promote collagen production.
• Vitamin K-rich foods (such as leafy greens, broccoli, and fish) to support blood clotting.
• Zinc-rich foods (such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains) to support tissue repair.

Conclusion

While a hickey may not be something you can always avoid, there are several effective ways to get rid of it quickly. Whether you choose to apply a cold compress, massage the area, or use topical treatments like arnica or aloe vera, these methods can help speed up the healing process and reduce the visibility of a hickey.