How Long Do Hickeys Last? Everything You Need to Know

Hickeys, or love bites, are marks left on the skin after intense kissing or sucking. Though they might be considered fun or a sign of affection at the moment, they can raise concerns about their longevity and visibility. If you’ve ever had a hickey or been on the receiving end, you might wonder, How long do hickeys last? In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about hickeys, how long they last, and how to make them fade faster.

What is a Hickey?

A hickey is essentially a bruise caused by the suction and pressure applied to the skin during intense kissing or sucking. When someone kisses or sucks on your skin with a strong force, tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, burst under the skin. This results in a visible, often red or purple mark that can last for varying amounts of time.

The duration of a hickey depends on a few factors, including the severity of the suction, your skin type, and how you care for it afterwards. Now, let’s explore how long hickeys typically last.

How Long Do Hickeys Last?

Hickeys can last anywhere from a few days to up to two weeks, depending on a variety of factors. On average, most hickeys will begin to fade after about three to five days, though the exact duration may vary.

1. Mild Hickeys: These are the lighter marks that usually appear as faint reddish or pinkish spots. These may heal and fade in just a few days.
2. Moderate Hickeys: These marks are darker and more noticeable, often appearing purple or blue. They can last for up to a week, with the colour gradually changing as the bruise heals.
3. Severe Hickeys: In some cases, especially if a lot of pressure is applied, a hickey can become very dark, almost black or deep purple. Severe hickeys can last up to two weeks, with the colour gradually shifting through various stages of healing.

Why Do Hickeys Last So Long?

A hickey lasts as long as it does due to the natural healing process that occurs when the blood vessels under your skin break. Your body treats the broken blood vessels as a bruise, which needs to be repaired over time. Here’s what happens in stages:

1. The Initial Mark: After a hickey is formed, it may appear red or pink, signifying the immediate pooling of blood around the affected area.
2. Colour Change: As the bruise begins to heal, it turns shades of purple, blue, or even dark green. This happens as the haemoglobin in the blood is broken down by your body’s natural processes.
3. Healing Phase: Over the next several days, the body continues to repair the damage caused by the broken capillaries. The mark will lighten and eventually fade, leaving your skin looking normal again.

Factors That Affect How Long a Hickey Lasts

Several factors can influence the duration of a hickey. Let’s look at some of these factors in more detail:

1. The severity of the Hickey: As previously mentioned, the more intense the suction, the more broken blood vessels there will be under the skin. A deep hickey with a lot of bruising will take longer to heal than a light one.
2. Your Skin Type: Some people heal faster than others. If you have delicate skin or sensitive capillaries, your hickeys may be more noticeable and last longer. Similarly, people with fair skin might notice hickeys more because the contrast between the skin and the bruise is greater. People with darker skin tones might experience less noticeable bruising.
3. Your Age and Health: Your age and overall health also play a role in how quickly a hickey heals. Younger people typically heal faster than older individuals, and people in good health might recover from hickeys more rapidly than those who suffer from certain conditions (e.g., poor circulation and blood-thinning conditions).
4. How Often You Get Hickeys: If you’re someone who frequently experiences hickeys, your skin may start to adapt and heal more efficiently over time. However, repeated hickeys in the same area may result in longer-lasting marks.

Can You Make a Hickey Fade Faster?

While there is no instant way to get rid of a hickey, there are some methods you can try to speed up the healing process and make the mark less noticeable. Let’s explore some popular remedies.

1. Cold Compress:

Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area for the first 24-48 hours after getting a hickey. The cold helps reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, which may prevent the bruise from spreading and getting worse.

1. Warm Compress:

After the first couple of days, switch to a warm compress to encourage blood flow to the area and promote healing. This can help break down the clotting blood beneath your skin.

1. Massage:

Gently massaging the hickey may help redistribute the pooled blood and encourage circulation. Be careful not to press too hard, as this could make the bruise worse.

1. Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties and can help reduce inflammation. Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area may help the healing process and ease any discomfort.

1. Vitamin K Cream:

Vitamin K is known for its ability to help the body reabsorb blood clots, which can speed up the healing of bruises. You can apply a vitamin K cream to the hickey to encourage faster recovery.

1. Arnica:

Arnica is a herbal remedy that’s often used to treat bruises and inflammation. Applying arnica gel or cream to a hickey might help reduce its duration.

1. Cover It Up:

If you need to hide your hickey for an event or meeting, you can use makeup like concealer to cover the mark. Choose a product that matches your skin tone and blends well. Green-tinted concealers can help neutralize the redness, while yellow-toned products can help with darker bruises.

Can You Prevent a Hickey?

While it’s difficult to entirely prevent a hickey from forming if you engage in passionate kissing or sucking, you can take a few steps to minimize their occurrence:

• Be Gentle: Applying less suction during intimate moments can prevent blood vessels from bursting and creating hickeys.
• Be Mindful of Pressure: Avoid putting too much pressure on sensitive areas of the skin, such as the neck.
• Communication: If you or your partner is concerned about getting a hickey, discuss it beforehand to avoid any awkward situations.

Final Thoughts on How Long Do Hickeys Last

So, how long do hickeys last? On average, a hickey will last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. The duration depends on factors such as the severity of the hickey, your skin type, and your general health. While there’s no way to remove a hickey instantly, there are several methods to speed up the healing process and minimize the appearance of the mark.

If you’re looking to prevent a hickey altogether, the best approach is to be gentle and mindful during intimate moments. However, if you do find yourself with a hickey, try some of the home remedies mentioned above to encourage faster healing.

In the end, while hickeys are often temporary, it’s always helpful to know how to manage them and make them fade more quickly. With time and care, your hickey will soon be gone, leaving no trace of its existence.

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