Have you ever noticed your face turning a tinge of red after just one or two drinks? Maybe you’ve seen this happen to a friend or family member who suddenly seems rosy after drinking.
Often known as “alcohol flush” or “Asian glow,” this common reaction to drinking alcohol actually impacts millions of people around the globe. Yet despite it being so common, few individuals really know why it happens or the potential risks it brings to their health.
While a red face after drinking may seem like a harmless quirk, it could be sending important messages about how your body processes alcohol – and, even more dangerously, what health risks are lying just under the surface of your skin.
If you’re among the many who turn crimson after consuming a cocktail, read on to learn more about why it happens and how you can protect your health.
Why Does Alcohol Cause a Red Face?
Facial redness that occurs after drinking alcohol isn’t just a strange quirk among some people. It’s also not related to having a “low alcohol tolerance.” It’s actually the result of specific biological processes that are happening within your body.
The ALDH2 Enzyme Deficiency
Research finds that the primary cause of alcohol flushing is a genetic variation that affects how your body processes alcohol. When you drink, your body breaks down alcohol in two main steps:
- First, an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts the consumed alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is actually a substance toxic to the human body
- To fight back, the body releases an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) that works to break down the toxic acetaldehyde into the far less harmless acetate
So, why the red face? When the body recognizes the toxic acetaldehyde in the body, it dilates blood vessels in an attempt to “flush” the toxins out of your body faster. This can lead to a flushed look, primarily in the face.
Individuals who experience facial flushing often have a deficiency in this second enzyme (ALDH2) that can lead to acetaldehyde building up in their system as they drink. This genetic variation can occur in anyone but is often found in East Asian populations (affecting nearly 30-50% of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean individuals!)
Blood Vessel Dilation
Even if an individual doesn’t have the ALDH2 deficiency, they can still suffer from a flushed look when they drink.
Alcohol itself acts as a vasodilator, which means it causes blood vessels in the body to expand. This expansion brings more blood to the surface of your skin, which can result in a red tinge as well as warmth throughout the body. For many, this is most apparent in the cheeks – a fleshier part of your visible face.
Histamine and Sulfite Reactions
Many alcoholic beverages contain histamines and sulfites that can trigger reactions in those who might be sensitive to them. Red wine, beer, and certain spirits often contain these histamines and sulfites, which can lead to a particular reaction that may be different depending on the type of drink you consume.
Reactions to Particular Medications
Some medications you are taking can impact how your body metabolizes certain types of alcohol, which can intensify those vasodilating effects. Some of the most common medication culprits are:
- Antibiotics like metronidazole (Falgyl)
- Blood pressure medications
- Diabetes medications
- Niacin (vitamin B3) supplements
If you notice any red flushing while drinking, you may want to take a look at any medications you are taking and how they might react to the ingredients within your favorite drink. If you aren’t sure, bring up the topic with your doctor or healthcare provider to get more insight into what might be causing your red face while drinking.
Is Facial Flushing from Alcohol Dangerous?
While the occasional red face might seem like just a cosmetic concern, that tinge of color could be pointing to a more serious issue.
Increased Cancer Risk
While a red face from drinking isn’t the cause, it could be a sign that your ALDH2 deficiency could be increasing your risk of cancer.
Multiple studies point to a higher risk of esophageal cancer among those who drink regularly while having an ALDH2 deficiency. The buildup of acetaldehyde – that same toxin leading to the flushing in your face – acts as a carcinogen in your body that can damage DNA and other proteins in your body.
Blood Pressure Concerns
The vasodilation that leads to flushing can also have other risks – such as a rapid heart rate and a drop in blood pressure. Over time, regular drinking can cause your body to compensate with mechanisms that lead to hypertension (high blood pressure).
How to Prevent or Reducing Alcohol Flushing
If you are consistently experiencing facial flushing after drinking, here are some tips to help reduce the reaction – as well as the risks involved.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
The most effective way to reduce the impact of facial flushing is to limit how much you drink. The less alcohol there is in your system, the less acetaldehyde your body will have to work to process. This can help reduce the impacts of red face flushing, as well as other negative impacts related to alcoholism.
Choose Your Drinks Wisely
Different alcoholic beverages contain different ingredients. This can include histamines and sulfites that your body may be sensitive to. To determine which may impact you more than others, note what you drink, the ingredients in each, and how you feel when drinking.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water before, during, and after consuming alcohol can do wonders to help your body metabolize alcohol more effectively. A rule of thumb is to drink at least one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume.
Consider Antihistamines (Wisely)
Some individuals find that taking antihistamines before drinking can lead to a reduction in how flush their face becomes. However, this approach should come with cautions:
- Many antihistamines can intensify alcohol’s sedative effects (many will warn you not to drink at all while taking the antihistamine)
- They can mask the symptoms but do not address the underlying issues
- They don’t protect you from the risk of cancer-related to acetaldehyde builup
Before attempting to use antihistamines to fight back against facial flushing, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider to make sure you are doing so safely.
More Than an Annoyance – Know When to Get Help
While facial flushing itself may not be a reason to seek immediate medical attention, you may still look at speaking with your healthcare provider to learn more about any potential underlying issues that lead to a rosy face while drinking.
Remember that regular and consistent drinking can bring a host of risks and consequences, and limiting your intake can help offset many of the unwanted impacts. Monitor your health, take note of how you feel, and always work with your doctor to learn if there are any specific health issues you may want to look at.
Listening to your body’s signal is one step forward in creating more mindful drinking habits and better long-term health. Want to learn more about how to overcome concerns with drinking? Contact our team today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how you can take the right step toward a healthier life. Take the first step with United Recovery Project today.
Research:
- Alcohol Flush Reaction: Does Drinking Alcohol Make Your Face Red?
- Genetic Influences Affecting Alcohol Use Among Asians – PMC
- Alcohol Dehydrogenase – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
- Physio-pathological effects of alcohol on the cardiovascular system: its role in hypertension and cardiovascular disease
- Alcohol-Medication Interactions: Potentially Dangerous Mixes
- Multiple Cancers Associated with Esophageal and Oropharyngolaryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 Genotype in Male Japanese Drinkers1
- Alcohol and Medication Interactions – PMC
