A hickey, sometimes called a “love bite,” is a superficial bruise resulting from focused suction on the skin. This pressure ruptures tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, beneath the skin’s surface, allowing blood to leak out and pool in the surrounding tissue. Medically, this mark is a form of ecchymosis and is treated using the same principles as any standard bruise. While no technique can make the mark disappear instantly, applying the correct treatment based on the injury’s age can significantly speed up the fading process.
Immediate Interventions (The First 48 Hours)
The first 24 to 48 hours following the injury are dedicated to minimizing internal bleeding and swelling. The primary goal is to induce vasoconstriction, which narrows blood vessels and slows the flow of blood leaking into the surrounding tissue. Applying a cold compress immediately can reduce the overall size of the bruise, potentially allowing it to heal faster.
You can use an ice pack, a chilled spoon, or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin cloth to protect the skin. Apply the cold compress for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Remove the cold source for a break and repeat the application several times throughout the first two days. If possible, gently elevating the area above heart level can also help reduce swelling by slowing blood flow.
Accelerating the Healing Process
Once the initial 48-hour period has passed, the focus shifts from stopping the bleeding to dispersing the pooled blood. This is achieved by promoting vasodilation, which increases circulation to the area to help the body reabsorb the trapped blood. A warm compress or heating pad should be applied several times a day after the first two days to facilitate this process.
Applying gentle heat causes the blood vessels to open wider, flushing the area with new, oxygenated blood and carrying away the stagnant, pooled blood. Physical manipulation can also help break up the collection of blood cells beneath the skin. Use fingertips to gently massage the area in circular motions to encourage dispersal. Techniques like gently scraping the area with the edge of a coin or a toothbrush can also physically spread the trapped blood cells, but use caution to avoid further skin damage.
Topical and Internal Aids
Certain topical products and internal supplements can support the body’s natural process of clearing the pooled blood. Topical creams containing Vitamin K are frequently suggested because this fat-soluble vitamin plays an essential role in the blood clotting process. When applied to the skin, Vitamin K is believed to aid in the reabsorption of extravasated blood, potentially reducing the bruise’s severity. Gently rubbing a Vitamin K cream onto the bruise twice daily can help speed up the resolution of the mark.
Another common topical aid is Arnica gel or cream, derived from the Arnica montana herb, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Applying topical Arnica may help diminish discoloration and reduce swelling associated with bruises. For internal support, the enzyme Bromelain, extracted from pineapple stems, has been studied for its ability to reduce bruising and swelling. Bromelain helps break down proteins that trap fluids in tissue, accelerating the body’s natural healing response.
Hiding the Evidence
When time is short and the bruise has not faded sufficiently, strategic concealment with makeup is the most immediate solution. The process relies on color theory, specifically the principle that colors opposite each other on the color wheel neutralize one another. Since a fresh hickey is typically red or purplish, a green color corrector is used to cancel out the redness.
A small amount of green-tinted corrector should be lightly applied only to the reddest parts of the bruise before any other makeup. Applying too much green product can result in a noticeable grayish cast, so blending is important. Following the color correction, layer a flesh-toned concealer or foundation that matches your skin tone over the area to mask the green tint and create an even base. For immediate, non-makeup concealment, clothing like turtlenecks, high-collared shirts, or scarves can provide complete physical coverage.