We’ve all been there – a passionate moment with our significant other that leaves behind an unwelcome mark on our neck – a hickey. Whether you’re trying to hide it from your parents or just want to get rid of it for personal reasons, removing a hickey quickly is a common concern. While there are various remedies available, one unconventional but highly effective method involves using toothpaste. In this article, we will explore why toothpaste is believed to work and how you can use it to remove a hickey swiftly.
A hickey, also known as a love bite or a kiss mark, is caused by the suction of blood vessels on the surface of the skin during an intense kissing or biting session. This action results in the reddish or purplish mark that takes several days to fade on its own. However, many people find it embarrassing or inconvenient to have a visible hickey. Hence, the quest for a quick solution begins, leading some to consider using toothpaste.
Toothpaste, a common household item used for oral hygiene, contains various ingredients that can help in fading a hickey. Menthol, found in many toothpaste brands, can provide a cooling effect, which helps to constrict the blood vessels and reduce the appearance of the hickey. Additionally, toothpaste often includes baking soda, which acts as an exfoliant, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells and promoting faster healing.
To utilize toothpaste for hickey removal, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right toothpaste: Opt for a toothpaste that contains menthol and baking soda, as these ingredients are believed to be the most effective in fading a hickey. Avoid gels or whitening toothpaste, as these may not provide the desired results.
2. Cleanse the affected area: Gently clean the hickey and the surrounding skin using lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
3. Apply a generous amount of toothpaste: Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your fingers and apply it to the affected area. Ensure that the entire hickey is covered in toothpaste.
4. Massage the area: Using your fingers, massage the toothpaste into the hickey for a few minutes. Apply gentle pressure, but avoid rubbing too vigorously, as this could cause skin irritation.
5. Leave it on or wipe it off: After massaging, you have two options. You can either leave the toothpaste on the hickey overnight, allowing it to work its magic, or you can wipe it off gently using a damp cloth. Both methods have been reported to provide positive results, so choose what works best for you.
6. Moisturize the area: Once the toothpaste is removed, moisturize the area with a gentle cream or lotion to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing.
It is essential to note that while toothpaste has shown positive results for many people, it may not work for everyone. Additionally, results may vary depending on the individual’s skin type, the severity of the hickey, and how soon the remedy is applied after the hickey is formed.
In conclusion, the quest for a quick hickeys removal method has led some people to experiment with toothpaste. Toothpaste’s menthol content can help constrict blood vessels, while its baking soda component aids in exfoliation. By following the steps mentioned above, you can try using toothpaste to remove a hickey. However, keep in mind that everyone’s skin reacts differently, and it may not be a guaranteed solution.