Why Does Toothpaste Work on Hickeys? Unpacking the Science and Myths

The age-old question, often whispered in hushed tones or debated among friends: can toothpaste actually get rid of a hickey? For many, it's a go-to remedy, a last resort before a big event or a nosy encounter. But does it truly work, or is it just an urban legend passed down through generations? Let's dive deep into the supposed science behind this unconventional treatment.

The Theory: What Makes Toothpaste a Potential Hickey Helper?

The idea that toothpaste can help a hickey stems from a few common ingredients found in many minty pastes. The primary culprits believed to contribute to its effectiveness are:

Menthol: This compound, derived from mint, is known for its cooling sensation and potential to constrict blood vessels. The theory is that by constricting the blood vessels in the hickey, it could reduce the amount of pooled blood, thus making the bruise less visible.
Baking Soda: Often lauded for its mild abrasive and anti-inflammatory properties, baking soda is another ingredient that proponents point to. It's suggested that its gentle exfoliating action might help to break down the clotted blood under the skin.
Alcohol: Some toothpastes contain small amounts of alcohol, which can have a drying and potentially astringent effect.
Hydrogen Peroxide: In some formulations, hydrogen peroxide can act as a mild bleaching agent, though its concentration in toothpaste is typically very low.

The overarching hypothesis is that these ingredients, when applied topically to the affected area, can create a combination of effects that might speed up the natural healing process of a hickey, which is essentially a bruise.

How the "Treatment" is Supposed to Work: The Application Process

If you're considering trying this remedy, the generally accepted method involves a few key steps:

Choose the Right Toothpaste: It's almost always recommended to use a plain white, non-gel toothpaste. Avoid toothpastes with added colorings, whitening agents, or gritty particles, as these could further irritate the skin.
Apply a Small Amount: Take a small dab of toothpaste and gently rub it onto the hickey.
Let it Sit: The common advice is to leave the toothpaste on the hickey for a few minutes, typically between 2 to 10 minutes.
Rinse Off: Gently rinse the area with cool water.
Moisturize: After rinsing, apply a moisturizer to the area to prevent dryness and irritation.

This process might be repeated once or twice a day, but caution is advised to avoid overdoing it and causing more harm than good.

The Reality: Does it Actually Work?

Here's where things get a bit fuzzy. While the theories behind toothpaste for hickeys are plausible on a superficial level, there's a significant lack of scientific evidence to support its efficacy. Most of the "success stories" are anecdotal. Here's what experts generally say:

Irritation Risk: Toothpaste is designed for your teeth, not your delicate skin. Ingredients like menthol and baking soda can be very irritating, leading to redness, burning, and even a rash. This irritation can actually make the hickey look worse, not better.
Limited Impact on Bruises: A hickey is a subcutaneous bruise caused by broken capillaries. While some ingredients might have a minor effect on surface blood flow, they are unlikely to penetrate deep enough or have a significant enough action to break down the clotted blood and speed up healing dramatically.
Placebo Effect: It's possible that any perceived improvement is due to the placebo effect. Believing a treatment will work can sometimes lead to a subjective feeling of improvement.
Natural Healing: Ultimately, hickeys are bruises, and like all bruises, they heal on their own over time. The body naturally reabsorbs the pooled blood.

Essentially, while you might not cause permanent damage if done carefully, you're more likely to irritate your skin than magically erase a hickey with toothpaste. The potential for negative side effects often outweighs the minimal chance of a positive outcome.

Alternative and More Proven Hickey Remedies

If you're looking for more reliable ways to reduce the appearance of a hickey, consider these options:

Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress (like an ice pack wrapped in a cloth) to the hickey for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.
Warm Compress: After the initial swelling subsides (usually after 24 hours), a warm compress can help increase blood flow to the area, aiding in the reabsorption of pooled blood.
Gentle Massage: Gently massaging the area with a spoon or your fingers can help break up the clotted blood. Be very gentle to avoid causing more damage.
Concealer: For immediate results, good old-fashioned makeup can be your best friend. A good concealer can effectively camouflage a hickey.
Arnica Gel: Arnica is a homeopathic remedy often used for bruises. While its effectiveness is debated, some people find it helpful in reducing bruising and swelling.

Ultimately, the best "treatment" for a hickey is time and patience. However, understanding the purported mechanisms behind remedies like toothpaste can help you make informed decisions about your approach to dealing with this common (and sometimes embarrassing) mark.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does toothpaste supposedly help a hickey?

The theory is that ingredients like menthol in toothpaste might constrict blood vessels, reducing the pooled blood that forms the hickey. Baking soda is sometimes thought to help exfoliate and break down the clotted blood.

Why is plain white toothpaste recommended for hickeys?

Plain white toothpaste is suggested because it's less likely to contain harsh additives, artificial colors, or extra gritty particles found in some specialty toothpastes. These could irritate the already sensitive skin of a hickey.

What are the risks of putting toothpaste on a hickey?

The primary risk is skin irritation. Ingredients like menthol, baking soda, and fluoride can cause redness, burning, itching, or even a rash, potentially making the hickey look worse.

Will toothpaste make a hickey disappear overnight?

It's highly unlikely. Hickeys are bruises, and they take time to heal naturally. Toothpaste is not a scientifically proven overnight cure and may offer little to no actual benefit in significantly speeding up the healing process.

Are there better ways to treat a hickey than toothpaste?

Yes, more proven methods include applying a cold compress initially to reduce swelling and bleeding, followed by a warm compress to aid in healing. Gentle massage and using a concealer are also effective ways to manage the appearance of a hickey.