The Science Behind Why You Turn Red When You Drink Alcohol

Ever wonder the science behind why you turn red when you drink alcohol? It's more intricate than you think, and your body is trying to tell you something. A condition that many people suffer from, it is primarily effective in those of Asian descent.

So instead of ignoring the fact that your face looks like it has miraculously taken on a sunburn, even in the dead of winter, you may want to learn a bit about your body's reaction to alcohol.

Alcohol Flush Reaction, what causes it?

Alcohol flush reaction is the scientific term for flushed cheeks from alcohol consumption. Though it might sound more intimidating this way, it is nothing to be concerned about.

Though a Google search could convince anyone that they are dying due to symptoms of a common cold, you shouldn't be afraid of the symptoms of alcohol flush reaction. However, you should be aware of the reason behind why your body is reacting this way. If your body is trying to tell you something, you should always listen.

So to start answering the question of why you turn red when you drink alcohol, we have to answer what is behind this reaction, besides just taking crazy shots.

A buildup of acetaldehyde in the body is what causes this flushed skin. Acetaldehyde is a carcinogen that can be toxic to the body. In a reaction to the alcohol ingested, once it makes its way to the liver, it metabolizes into acetaldehyde, thus the reaction.

Other Symptoms

Some of the other symptoms caused by alcohol flush reaction are not as fun. This can result in nausea, rapid heartbeat, and headaches. So instead of wondering why you turn red when you drink alcohol, you should also be aware of the other symptoms that are caused by the buildup of acetaldehyde.

These symptoms are much more serious, and require a bit more attention. Like we said, if your body is telling you something, it's your time to listen.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure skyrockets, in people who suffer from this reaction or not, when alcohol is consumed. And due to the acetaldehyde that is not able to be metabolized in your body, the combination of these two reactions will cause the reaction in your face and skin.

Due to the blood capillaries in your face dilating, your skin will appear blotchy and discolored. This can also be seen on the neck, shoulders, or even the entire body, though this is rare.

It has also been researched that people, men in particular, with alcohol flush reaction were over two times as likely to develop high blood pressure. This can also put them at risk for stroke, hypertension health issues, or even heart disease.

Is it genetic?

Eighty percent of East Asians suffer from alcohol flush reactions. So to answer why you turn red when you drink alcohol, a lot of the reaction is hereditary. This will include many Japanese, Chinese, and Korean people. It can also include Southeast Asians like Filipinos or Vietnamese.

On the latter, the other percentage of Asian descent that does not inherit this reaction, often maintain an overactive alcohol dehydrogenase. This can also be attested to people feeling as if they are not affected by alcohol, due to the fast pace that acetaldehyde is broken down.

This process can sometimes speed up to 100 times faster than someone who drinks at a normal pace. And exceptionally faster than someone who suffers from alcohol flush reactions.

Those who do suffer from an inactive variant of the liver enzyme that helps break down acetaldehyde, which is called ALDH2, suffer from the flush reactions. However, it does not mean that people who are affected by this get drunk faster. This is because the mutated gene that they inherent that causes this is not connected to alcohol tolerance or sensitivity.

Is there a cure?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this reaction. But, there are ways to lighten the symptoms. Can you guess what the number one action to take against this reaction would be?

How do I stop it?

You guessed it, stop pouring down shots. Though some people attempt to build up a higher tolerance for alcohol, this does not alter the condition. Men and women who are affected by this reaction should limit their alcohol intake. Their bodies are telling them that they are not reacting correctly to the consumption.

So instead, limit yourself to one to two alcoholic drinks per day. For women, it should stay at a minimum of one to avoid high blood pressure. If you are wondering why you turn red when you drink alcohol, you should attempt to avoid binge drinking, as your body will become overwhelmed by the buildup, and cause skin irritation, nausea, and overall discomfort.

If you can't give up the alcohol, you can also take an antihistamine like an allergy medication before drinking.

What are the pros?

If you are a woman, you'll never have to wear blush again on your nightly outings.

All jokes aside, there aren't many pros to this condition. However, it was named an "Asian glow" or "Asian flush" before those who were affected by it knew the real science behind the reaction. So some don't mind the redness. It's the inner reaction that should bother you, however.

What are the cons?

Besides the fact that you should certainly avoid drinking alcohol, if you do choose to treat yourself to a drink every now and then, the reaction can also result in a less intense buzz.

The rest of the side effects from why you turn red when you drink alcohol are due to the acetaldehyde poisoning. In the long term, you are at a higher risk of mouth and throat cancers, as well as high blood pressure and heart disease.

What are my chances?

So can people who are not Asian be affected by this? Originating among the Han Chinese in central China, it spread throughout East Asia, as a hereditary condition caused by a mutated gene. So the answer to why you turn red when you drink alcohol is as simple as your ethnicity.

It is very rare for other races to have the gene, so even if a European person has a similar reaction, it is almost always attested to having an ancestor who was Asian.

One Last Tip

To complete the science behind why you turn red when you drink alcohol, we had to finish off with one last tip to avoid being flushed after a single drink.

Another way to regulate the flush, if you are not willing to avoid alcohol, is to eat before or during your drinking. This is because a full stomach will protect your stomach lining against the irritation caused by the alcohol. This will also prevent a hangover.