Why Your Face Turns Red When You Drink

If you've ever looked in the mirror and noticed your face turning red after a few drinks, you're not alone. Many people wonder, "Why does my face turn red when I drink?" First, don't worry—you're not turning into a human tomato. There's actually a lot happening inside your body that's important to understand so you can make informed decisions about your drinking habits.

In this article, we'll explore the connection between alcohol and facial redness. Whether you regularly experience flushing or it's happening for the first time, you're not alone. We'll cover how to treat and prevent alcohol-related facial redness—and fortunately, there are several simple solutions! Let's dive into the details of that effect known as the "alcohol flush."

Why Do We Blush?

Before we discuss alcohol-induced facial redness, let's talk about blushing in general. When we blush, it's because our blood vessels are expanding—a process called vasodilation. This can happen for various reasons, including emotional responses like embarrassment, physical exertion, or in response to certain foods, medications, or—you guessed it—alcohol.

Think of your body as a city and your blood vessels as the road network. We want traffic to flow smoothly, right? Vasodilation is like adding extra lanes to the highway to keep blood moving freely and deliver nutrients more efficiently.

This process is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Certain chemicals, such as nitric oxide, relax the muscles in blood vessel walls. This relaxation causes vessels to widen and allows more blood to flow through.

Vasodilation is helpful in many situations. For example, when you're running a marathon—or just chasing your escaped dog—your muscles need extra oxygen. Thanks to vasodilation, they get it. Vasodilation also helps when you're sick or injured by increasing blood flow to the affected area, delivering healing cells. That's why cuts or sprains become red and warm—your blood vessels are opening pathways for your body's healing mechanisms. Alcohol flushing also results from vasodilation.

Why Does My Face Turn Red When I Drink?

If you've ever wondered "Why do I turn red when I drink?" there's a scientific explanation: vasodilation. Our bodies break down alcohol in a two-step process:

• First, an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) transforms alcohol into a substance called acetaldehyde
• Then, another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), turns acetaldehyde into acetate, a harmless substance

However, not everyone's ALDH2 enzyme works at the same speed. In some people, particularly those with East Asian ancestry, a genetic variant causes the ALDH2 enzyme to work less efficiently, leading to an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream.

Acetaldehyde is a vasodilator, meaning it causes blood vessels to expand and results in that familiar flushed face. This alcohol vasodilator property explains why some people develop a red face when drinking.

The Risks of Alcohol Flush

You might think, "So what if I look red after a glass of wine? It's worth it for the buzz." However, caution is warranted: several studies have linked ALDH2 deficiency to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Acetaldehyde is far more toxic than alcohol itself and can damage DNA and proteins, which may lead to mutations and cancer development, particularly in the esophagus and liver. Even moderate drinking can cause buildup, especially in people who lack sufficient quantities of the enzyme needed to break it down.

Beyond its role as a carcinogen, acetaldehyde is also responsible for many negative side effects associated with hangovers. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and rapid heartbeat can all be traced back to acetaldehyde circulating in your bloodstream.

Facial flushing can be a sign of alcohol intolerance, similar to lactose intolerance. This means your body has trouble processing alcohol, which can worsen the unpleasant symptoms associated with acetaldehyde buildup.

There's another important thing to know about acetaldehyde: it can create "acetaldehyde adducts"—bonded molecules that form when acetaldehyde reacts with other natural body chemicals. This process causes long-lasting damage to your body, even long after you've sobered up.

How To Prevent Red Face When Drinking

Is it all bad news? Not necessarily. One recent study suggests that people who experience alcohol flush might actually have a lower risk of becoming alcohol-dependent. The unpleasant symptoms can act as a natural deterrent, discouraging heavy drinking.

If you're looking to quit or cut back on alcohol, alcohol flushing might actually work as helpful motivation. If your face turns red after a drink or two, that might be your body's way of telling you to take it easy.

If you're considering reducing your alcohol consumption to avoid flushing, here are a few tips to get started:

• Mindful drinking: Pay attention to how much you're drinking and pace yourself. Consider sipping water between alcoholic drinks or setting a limit on how many drinks you'll have
• Low-alcohol options: Choose drinks with lower alcohol content, such as light beer, wine spritzers, or mocktails
• Support: If you're finding it hard to cut back, don't hesitate to seek help. Talk to your doctor for personalized guidance, consider professional help from a therapist, or join a peer-led support group. There are also app options such as Quitemate that offer support and guidance right at your fingertips

Remember, it's okay to ask for help and to take things slow. Everyone's journey is unique, and what matters is that you're making an effort to be mindful and make healthier choices.

In the end, we might not be able to change our genes or how our bodies react to alcohol, but we can control our drinking habits. With these practical tips, we now know how to prevent red face when drinking. The first step to saying goodbye to your red-cheeked reflection starts with saying hello to a healthier lifestyle!