To get rid of a hickey fast, keep in mind that a hickey is essentially a bruise caused by broken blood vessels under the skin, so it typically takes about 7 to 12 days to heal naturally. However, there are several methods to help speed up the healing process and reduce its appearance:

Immediate Actions (First 12-48 hours)

• Apply a cold compress or ice pack: Use ice cubes wrapped in a cloth, a cold spoon from the freezer, or an ice roller on the hickey as soon as possible. This helps reduce swelling and limits blood flow to the area, potentially minimizing the bruise

• Avoid irritating the area: Do not rub or pick at the hickey initially, as this can worsen it

After 48 Hours

• Switch to warm compresses: Apply a warm cloth or heating pad to increase blood circulation, which helps clear the pooled blood faster. Massage gently from the center outward to disperse the blood

• Massage with a soft toothbrush or banana peel: Gently brushing the hickey with a soft toothbrush or rubbing it with the inside of a banana peel for 15-20 minutes may promote healing due to increased circulation and antioxidants

Topical Treatments

• Apply arnica gel or cream: Arnica is an herb known for its bruise-healing properties and can help reduce swelling and discoloration

• Use vitamin K or vitamin C creams: These vitamins help the body absorb pooled blood and repair damaged vessels

• Aloe vera gel: Known for soothing skin, it may help reduce inflammation and speed healing

Dietary Support

• Eat fresh pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help reduce bruising

• Consume vitamin K-rich foods: Foods like kale, spinach, broccoli, and brown rice support blood clot absorption and healing

Additional Tips

• Cover up with makeup: Since no method will make a hickey disappear instantly, using a green color corrector followed by concealer and foundation can effectively hide it temporarily

• Laser treatment: For very fast removal, some dermatologists offer laser therapy to break down bruising, but this is costly and should be done by experienced professionals, especially for darker skin tones

What to Avoid

• Essential oils like peppermint: They may irritate sensitive skin and cause dermatitis, potentially worsening the appearance

Summary

1. Apply cold compresses immediately to reduce swelling.
2. After 48 hours, use warm compresses and massage to increase circulation.
3. Use topical arnica, vitamin K, or aloe vera to promote healing.
4. Support healing with vitamin-rich foods and pineapple.
5. Conceal with makeup if needed.
6. Consider laser treatment for rapid removal if necessary.

These combined approaches can help a hickey fade faster than leaving it untreated, but complete healing still takes several days