Hickeys, those passionate reminders of intimate moments, can sometimes leave us in a predicament. Whether it’s a high school dance or an important meeting, finding a hickey in an inconvenient place can be a source of anxiety. But fear not, for there are ways to minimize and conceal these marks effectively. Let’s delve into the science behind hickeys and explore expert-approved methods to handle them.
Board-certified dermatologist Kristina Collins, MD, and professional makeup artist Brittany Whitfield share their insights on understanding, treating, and concealing hickeys. With their expertise, you can navigate this common situation with confidence and ease.
Understanding the Science Behind Hickeys
A hickey, also known as a love biteoccurs when capillariestiny blood vessels, break due to suction or pressure. This causes blood to leak and become trapped beneath the skin’s surface, resulting in a bruise-like mark. The color of a hickey can vary from red to purple or even dark brown, depending on your skin tone.
Hickeys can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the neck. This is because the neck is more vascular and has thinner skin compared to other areas, making it more susceptible to hickeys.
Expert Tips for Minimizing Hickeys
While you can’t completely erase a hickey overnight, there are ways to reduce its appearance and speed up the healing process. Both Dr. Collins and Whitfield recommend icing the area as soon as you notice a hickey forming. Applying a cold compress during the first 24 hours can help minimize swelling and limit further blood leakage under the skin.
After the first day, switching to warm compresses may help increase circulation and encourage the body to reabsorb the trapped blood more quickly. Dr. Collins also suggests gently massaging the area and applying topicals containing arnicavitamin Kor aloe verawhich may help minimize bruising as you heal.
The Healing Timeline of a Hickey
The healing timeline of a hickey can vary depending on several factors, including the intensity of the suction, your circulation, skin tone, and your tendency to bruise. A mild hickey may start fading within three days, but most take about one to two weeks to fully heal. Like other bruises, a hickey will change color as it heals, shifting from red to purple to green or yellow before fully fading.
Concealing Hickeys with Makeup
If you need a quick fix, Whitfield recommends using a tattoo cover-up, like Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup Foundation. This product allows you to skip color correcting and adding multiple layers. For those who prefer to use their existing makeup, color correcting before applying concealer and foundation can be effective.
Use peach and warm correctors for blue-ish or purple hickeys, and a green color corrector for red hickeys. Before applying makeup, prep the area with a facial serum and moisturizer to ensure proper hydration. This will help the makeup blend seamlessly and avoid a cakey appearance.
Remember, hickeys take time to heal, but you can slightly speed up the process with these expert tips. Keep a cold compress and color correctors handy, and always communicate with your partner about boundaries. If you find yourself in a passionate moment, you’ll know exactly how to handle any hickeys that may appear.
