Introduction
Hickies, also known as love bites or kiss marks, come about as a result of sucking or biting the skin. They can be embarrassing and may take a while to heal. This article will discuss various methods you can use to get rid of hickies effectively and quickly.
Why would anyone want to get rid of a hickey? There could be several reasons why someone wouldn’t want one on their skin. Among them are self-consciousness, hiding an affair, or avoiding questions from colleagues or family about the mark’s origin. Whatever your reason may be, there are several effective methods you can use to quickly get rid of a hickey.
Let’s discover some of the different methods for eliminating hickies.
The Cold Spoon Method
The cold spoon method might help heal a hickey by reducing swelling and constricting blood vessels to limit blood flow to the affected area. You can use it several times a day for relief.
To use the cold spoon method effectively, place a metal spoon in a freezer for several minutes. Once the spoon becomes cold, remove it from the freezer and wrap it in a cloth or towel. Use the spoon to apply pressure directly to the hickey for several minutes until the spoon is no longer cold. Repeat this process until the swelling reduces.
While generally considered safe, this method may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin or those prone to frostbite. If you notice any skin damage or numbness, stop applying the spoon to your skin immediately.
Vitamin K Cream
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble molecule known to reduce blood clots. It can be found in many food items such as leafy greens, soybeans, and cabbage. Moreover, vitamin K supplements and topical creams or lotions may help reduce hickey marks.
To use vitamin K creams or lotions effectively, apply a little to the hickey area and gently massage it into your skin two to three times daily until the mark lightens. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products, as using too much vitamin K cream could worsen the hickey or lead to other side effects.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can alleviate the pain and reduce swelling. Moreover, aloe is a natural moisturizer that helps boost the regeneration of skin cells, making it an excellent option for healing hickies.
After washing your hands and the affected area of the skin, apply fresh aloe vera gel to your hickey and gently massage it in the same way you would use vitamin K cream. You should continue applying the gel two to three times daily until the mark lightens.
Note that in rare cases, people may have an allergic reaction to aloe vera, causing itching, rash, or pain. Therefore, test a small amount of the gel on another part of your body before using it on the hickey to verify its safety for your skin.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can help disperse clotted blood and stimulate blood flow to damaged tissues, reducing the appearance of hickies. To effectively perform a massage on the hickey area, use the two-finger method.
Place two fingers at the side of the hickey, then gently stretch the skin downward and apply slight pressure to break up the blood clot. Maintain the pressure as you slide your fingers to the other end of the hickey. You can repeat this process two to three times daily until the hickey lightens significantly.
It’s crucial to note that excessive massaging could lead to additional bruising and skin damage. As such, only use moderate pressure with a light touch.
Tea Bag Compress
Tea is known for its anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties that are helpful in reducing the appearance of hickies. To effectively use tea bags to treat hickies, dip a tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, then place it on the hickey area for about five minutes.
Repeat this step several times a day for significant relief. Green tea is particularly suitable for this purpose since it has high levels of antioxidants that boost blood flow and protect the skin.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has properties that may help with swelling and reduce the appearance of hickies. It’s an effective vasoconstrictor, meaning it can help narrow blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and lessening of inflammation.
To use peppermint oil, dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil and apply it to the affected area in small amounts. Gently massage the oil into the skin, and repeat three to four times a day until the hickey disappears. However, ensure that you don’t use peppermint oil directly on the skin since it’s highly concentrated and may cause irritation.
Makeup Cover-Up
If you need an immediate solution to the hickey problem, makeup can provide a temporary fix that can help conceal the mark. Choose a concealer or foundation that closely matches your skin tone and apply it gently over the hickey. Be careful not to overdo it since too much makeup may irritate your skin.
Conclusion
Getting a hickey can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. However, there are several ways to speed up the healing process and reduce the appearance of hickies. From using cold spoons, vitamin K cream, aloe vera gel, tea bag compress, peppermint oil, massage therapy, and makeup, there is an option to suit every individual’s needs.
Ensure that you take steps to prevent hickies in the future, such as being mindful of your partner’s actions or using concealer products to hide blemishes.
Remember to listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any complications or adverse reactions while trying to rid yourself of a hickey.
