You’re enjoying your favorite drink at your favorite bar or with your friends, and suddenly, your face feels warm or hot. This experience can be scary and concerning, especially if it recurs whenever you’re drinking.
The process of breaking down alcohol releases a toxic compound called acetaldehyde. Reduced activity of the enzyme ALDH2 can lead to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, resulting in the release of histamine. Your facial blood vessels then become dilated, causing redness and warmth or heat.
This article will clarify the causes of facial heat when drinking alcohol, the risks, and the prevention. We will also provide expert answers to common concerns revolving around this experience.
Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels. The smooth muscles in their walls relax, leading to increased blood flow. Here’s how alcohol impacts blood vessels, causing facial heat and redness:
Ethanol acts on the smooth muscle cells in the walls of small blood vessels, relaxing them. This relaxation increases blood flow to the skin, which can manifest as flushing or facial warmth.
Even in moderate consumption, alcohol stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide plays a key role in regulating vasodilation. NO diffuses into the smooth muscles of blood vessels, causing their relaxation and increasing blood flow.
Histamine Release and Inflammatory Response
Histamine is present in the body and certain alcoholic drinks. In the body, it’s a chemical compound that plays a key role in allergic reactions and various bodily functions. In alcoholic beverages like wine or beer, it’s a byproduct of fermentation or aging.
Your body usually breaks down histamine from alcoholic beverages using the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). However, alcohol interferes with the activity of DAO, weakening your body’s ability to clear histamine.
Histamine then binds to receptors on the walls of small blood vessels, such as facial capillaries. As a result, smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels relax, widening the vessels and increasing blood flow in the area. Increased blood flow can increase skin temperature and cause flushing.
Dehydration and Elevated Heart Rate
Alcohol inhibits the antidiuretic hormone, increasing urine production and resulting in dehydration. Even a little fluid loss reduces the volume of plasma, making the blood slightly thicker. Your body then redistributes blood flow to maintain healthy blood circulation in different areas. As a result, your face may look flushed.
While dehydration usually means fluid loss, it can also cause your body to retain fluid in the face and under the eyes. This puffiness makes alcohol-induced flushing look even more pronounced.
Alcohol metabolism produces acetaldehyde, which can accumulate if the activity of ALDH2 is low. Acetaldehyde can increase your heart rate, resulting in your body forcing more warm blood through your arteries and capillaries each minute. When this effect combines with alcohol-induced vasodilation, your facial heat and flushing intensify.
Alcohol Flush Reaction & Genetic Factors
ALDH2 Deficiency & Asian Flush
In the liver, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) breaks down ethanol to produce the toxic acetaldehyde. The enzyme ALDH2 usually oxidizes acetaldehyde into acetate. Genetic variants can reduce the activity of ALDH2, allowing acetaldehyde levels to build up in the bloodstream.
High levels of acetaldehyde stimulate immune cells called mast cells to release histamine. The release of vasodilators relaxes capillaries in your face. Within 1 hour of drinking alcohol, you may experience facial warmth and redness.
Findings suggest that approximately 560 million East Asians carry the ALDH2*2 variant. The prevalence of this variant varies from 28% in areas like Korea to 45% in places like Taiwan.
The ALDH2*2 variant is caused by a minor DNA swap that replaces one building block (glutamate) with another (lysine). ALDH2 normally exists as a four-part structure; so, when a single part is faulty, the whole enzyme fails to work properly. Thus, people who carry one copy of the ALDH2*2 variant have less than half the normal enzyme function, and those with two copies have almost none.
Other Genetic Predispositions
ADH has variants that influence alcohol-induced flushing and facial heat. They include the following:
ADH1B: It has its own variants, like the ADH1B*2 allele. It speeds up alcohol metabolism, which leads to rapid acetaldehyde buildup. People with this variant develop strong flushing responses.
ADH1B*3: While it speeds up alcohol metabolism, it may offer protection against heavy drinking and alcohol dependence. Its acetaldehyde spikes are small enough to cause flushing in some people.
ADH1C, ADH4, and ADH5: Some of their own variants influence the oxidation of alcohol and may contribute to flush reactions.
How to Identify Genetic Flushing vs. Temporary Warmth
Here’s what you need to know about genetic flushing:
Reactions usually occur within minutes of drinking and recur over time
It may be accompanied by headache, nausea, or rapid heartbeat
Here’s what you need to know about “normal” flushing:
Reactions usually occur in response to heat, spicy foods, or emotions
Reactions peak within about 30 minutes and fade within a couple of hours
Other symptoms like headache or nausea don’t accompany it
Normal Blush or Warning Sign? Spotting the Difference
Benign Facial Warmth
Benign facial warmth is a common reaction to natural triggers. When it happens, your face becomes warm and red or pink. You may also have other symptoms depending on what’s causing your facial warmth. The reddening or pinkness of your skin is short-lived and isn’t tied to any underlying health issue.
When you experience benign facial warmth after drinking alcohol, it may not be associated with enzyme deficiencies like ALDH2 and can be caused by:
Sensitivity to histamine, which is present in some alcoholic drinks like wine and beer
Sensitivity to sulfite, which is a preservative used in wine and beer
Potentially Serious Reactions
When your body releases histamine from your mast cells, you may develop symptoms similar to an allergic reaction, like:
Hives
Itchy skin rashes
In more severe cases, you may faint or develop a rapid heartbeat and wheezing.
Some people with ALDH2 deficiency also experience alcohol-induced respiratory problems, like breathing difficulties or rapid heart rate.
Interaction with Medications & Conditions
Alcohol can have a negative interaction with the following medications and conditions:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): People on these medications may experience facial heat or redness after drinking alcohol due to impaired histamine metabolism
Nitrates: Nitrate medications, similar to alcohol, can cause vasodilation, which contributes to facial heat or flushing
Rosacea: Alcohol consumption can cause the onset or worsening of rosacea
Menopause: Alcohol worsens menopausal flushing by disrupting thermal regulation and through vasodilation
Health Risks Linked to Frequent Alcohol-Induced Flushing
Elevated Cancer Risk in ALDH2 Deficiency
A 2023 review found that people with ALDH2 genetic variations face a higher risk of alcohol-related liver, esophageal, and oral cavity/pharynx cancers than previous estimates suggested.
A meta-analysis found that people with two copies of the ALDH2*2 variant have an impaired metabolism of acetaldehyde. They may avoid drinking because it makes them very uncomfortable. These findings further suggest that people with one *2 variant have about a 2.5‑times higher overall risk of esophageal cancer compared to those with only *1 variants.
Cardiovascular Strain
Here’s how alcohol can cause fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate associated with flushing:
Acetaldehyde builds up shortly after drinking among individuals with ALDH2 deficiency. This toxic byproduct of alcohol’s metabolism activates the sympathetic nervous system. As a result, your body raises adrenaline and noradrenaline levels, which cause a rapid heart rate and increase your blood pressure.
Alcohol dilates blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. Your body may attempt to manage this by speeding up your heart rate. You may thus experience sudden drops and spikes in pressure and pulse, especially if you flush easily.
Skin Barrier Damage
Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and destroy or impair its protective barrier. You may experience inflammatory responses and a worsened vascular sensitivity, which can lead to long-term redness and dilated tiny vessels.
Regular alcohol-induced flushing also widens facial blood vessels, especially in people with conditions like rosacea. Over time, this increases inflammation in the skin. As you experience more flushing, your vascular control weakens, leading to persistent redness, even when you’re not drinking.
Alcohol dilates blood vessels. Chronic alcohol use stretches their walls and weakens them, making them susceptible to rupture. Some people develop red spider-like lines or spots called telangiectasia.
Practical Tips to Minimize Facial Heat
Choosing Low-Histamine & Sulfite-Free Drinks
Histamines and sulfites in drinks can trigger flushing and facial warmth in people with high sensitivity to these components. Choose drinks wisely to avoid or minimize these reactions. Red wines contain much higher histamine levels than white wines or sparkling wines. Below is a comparison of histamine levels in different alcoholic drinks.
Drink
Histamine Level (micrograms per litre)
Red wine
60-3800
Champagne
15-670
Beer
21-305
White wine
3-120
Clear spirits
0.5 or less
While few people are allergic to sulfites, they can trigger flushing or hives in people with allergies. If you’re allergic to sulfites, choose drinks that have low or no sulfite content. Below is a comparison table of sulfite levels in different alcoholic beverages.
Drink
Sulfite Level (milligrams per litre)
White wine
100-400
Red wine
50-350
Cider
20-150
Sparkling wine
80
Beer
5-20
Distilled spirits
Negligible
Pacing & Portion Control
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines one standard drink as:
12 oz of regular beer
8-10 oz of malt liquor or flavored malt drinks
5 oz of table wine
2-4 oz of fortified wine
2-3 oz of cordial, liqueur, or aperitif
1.5 oz of brandy or cognac
1.5 oz of distilled spirits
The following alcohol limits are recommended based on a standard drink:
Not more than two drinks for men
Not more than one drink for women
Hydration and Balanced Nutrition
Electrolytes help in hydration and water retention. Take electrolyte beverages to manage dehydration-induced facial heat or flushing. You can try an oral rehydration solution or make an electrolyte-rich drink at home.
Anti-inflammatory foods help manage inflammation-induced facial heat or flushing. Try foods like leafy greens, olive oil, nuts, beans, tofu, whole grains, and herbs, like ginger, garlic, and turmeric.
Over‑the‑Counter Aids & Medical Options
Antihistamines, like cetirizine, loratadine, or diphenhydramine, block histamine receptors. They potentially reduce facial warmth and redness caused by the release of histamine from alcoholic drinks. Please note that antihistamines are not recommended for addressing an alcohol flush. They do not prevent the buildup of acetaldehyde and can increase health risks.
Beta-blockers, like propranolol, carvedilol, or nadolol, slow down your heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions. They may manage facial warmth or flushing caused by increased blood flow. Beta-blockers are prescription medications and can cause low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, and dizziness.
Long‑Term Management & Lifestyle Adjustments
Tracking Triggers via Journaling Apps
Tracking factors that provoke facial warmth or flushing helps you know what to avoid and when change is necessary. The following are ways to make use of a journaling app to track your triggers:
Record alcoholic drinks you consume and the context around their use. Habit tracking apps help you track your alcohol use and times or situations that trigger facial warmth or flushing.
Record beverage details, like the type of alcohol, brand, and the amount you took.
Record the time you started drinking, and when you experienced facial warmth or flushing.
Include details about the environment, like room temperature, your stress levels, or a physical activity you engaged in before or while drinking.
Genetic Testing & Professional Counseling
Consider genetic testing if:
You flush or feel facial warmth within minutes of one to two standard drinks
A close relative flushes severely after drinking
Seek professional counseling for the following reasons:
To interpret genetic results and help you understand what it means for your health
To help make personalized plans, such as reducing or abstaining from alcohol consumption
To offer coping tools and behavioral strategies, or suggest support groups if cutting back or stopping alcohol feels difficult
When to Seek Medical Advice
Danger Signs Requiring Immediate Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience or show the following signs:
Swelling: It can signal medical emergencies like angioedema or anaphylaxis if it happens on the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Wheezing: It indicates that your airways are narrowing and can be caused by severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
Severe Tachycardia: It happens when you have a fast rate of over 100 beats per minute at rest. Excessive acetaldehyde or histamine release can overactivate the sympathetic nervous system, which can cause severe tachycardia.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Here are questions you can ask your doctor in your next appointment:
Could my facial reactions (warmth or flushing) indicate an enzyme deficiency or an underlying medical condition?
What tests do you recommend to determine the cause of my facial warmth/flushing?
Do I need a referral to a specialist?
Here’s information you can bring to your next appointment:
Tracking journal with details like what drink caused flushing and the environment it happened in
Medication you’re on
Your medical history
A summary of your family’s medical history
Previous test results
Nirvana’s Chill Cheers: Sip Smart, Glow Cool
Facial warmth or flushing is typical among people with an ALDH2 deficiency. Such people have a problem processing acetaldehyde, which is toxic, into acetate, which is non-toxic. Your facial warmth or flushing may also be caused by an allergy to histamines or sulfites, which are components present in some alcoholic drinks.
The best way to avoid facial warmth or flushing when drinking is to make informed decisions, like choosing your drink wisely and sticking to standard drinking limits.
It’s essential to have all the information about why you experienced facial warmth or flushing when drinking alcohol. Consult healthcare professionals to get information you can trust.
Nirvana is a go-to source for evidence-based wellness guidance and community support. We want you to enjoy your life responsibly as we support your overall well-being. Contact our mental health treatment team at Nirvana Recovery today for professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is flushing the same as an alcohol allergy?
Not really. Flushing can be a result of an alcohol allergy, but the two are different. Flushing is the reddening or pinkness of your face, while an alcohol allergy is an intolerance to some or all components that alcohol contains.
Does switching from wine to spirits reduce facial heat?
Yes, it can. Switching to spirits can reduce your facial heat if it results from histamine or sulfite intolerance. Spirits have very low to negligible amounts of histamine and sulfite compared to wine, which has large quantities.
How can I cool my face quickly after drinking?
Here’s what you can do:
Wrap a few ice cubes in a soft cloth and hold the cloth against your cheeks and forehead for a few minutes. Repeat this until you feel relief, occasionally taking breaks.
Gently splash cool water on your face to quickly lower skin temperature.
Drink cool, plain water to rehydrate and regulate your body’s temperature from the inside out.
Try a fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel, which can lower heat and help your skin retain moisture without clogging pores.
Avoid warm rooms, spicy foods, or more alcohol until your facial heat subsides.
Should I avoid alcohol completely if I flush?
It depends on how flushing makes you feel. If it makes you uncomfortable or embarrassed, you can try sticking to standard drinking limits. If that doesn’t work, you can try avoiding alcohol altogether.
Does facial redness mean I’m intoxicated faster?
No, it doesn’t. Facial redness happens due to acetaldehyde buildup and vasodilation, not a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Your liver is processing ethanol at the usual rate, but it can’t break down its byproduct (acetaldehyde) efficiently. The excess acetaldehyde “leaks” into your bloodstream and causes redness or warmth. You may consider facial redness a warning sign that acetaldehyde is accumulating, but not that you’re absorbing or processing alcohol faster.
Why Does My Face Get Hot When Drinking Alcohol?
Published On August 16, 2025
Table of Contents
You’re enjoying your favorite drink at your favorite bar or with your friends, and suddenly, your face feels warm or hot. This experience can be scary and concerning, especially if it recurs whenever you’re drinking.
The process of breaking down alcohol releases a toxic compound called acetaldehyde. Reduced activity of the enzyme ALDH2 can lead to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, resulting in the release of histamine. Your facial blood vessels then become dilated, causing redness and warmth or heat.
Approximately 8% of the world population has an ALDH2 deficiency associated with alcohol-related facial flushing.
This article will clarify the causes of facial heat when drinking alcohol, the risks, and the prevention. We will also provide expert answers to common concerns revolving around this experience.
If you or your loved ones need help managing alcohol use, please reach out to our intensive outpatient program team at Nirvana Recovery for expert help.
Core Causes of Facial Heat After Alcohol
Vasodilation Explained
Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels. The smooth muscles in their walls relax, leading to increased blood flow. Here’s how alcohol impacts blood vessels, causing facial heat and redness:
Histamine Release and Inflammatory Response
Histamine is present in the body and certain alcoholic drinks. In the body, it’s a chemical compound that plays a key role in allergic reactions and various bodily functions. In alcoholic beverages like wine or beer, it’s a byproduct of fermentation or aging.
Your body usually breaks down histamine from alcoholic beverages using the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). However, alcohol interferes with the activity of DAO, weakening your body’s ability to clear histamine.
Histamine then binds to receptors on the walls of small blood vessels, such as facial capillaries. As a result, smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels relax, widening the vessels and increasing blood flow in the area. Increased blood flow can increase skin temperature and cause flushing.
Dehydration and Elevated Heart Rate
Alcohol inhibits the antidiuretic hormone, increasing urine production and resulting in dehydration. Even a little fluid loss reduces the volume of plasma, making the blood slightly thicker. Your body then redistributes blood flow to maintain healthy blood circulation in different areas. As a result, your face may look flushed.
While dehydration usually means fluid loss, it can also cause your body to retain fluid in the face and under the eyes. This puffiness makes alcohol-induced flushing look even more pronounced.
Alcohol metabolism produces acetaldehyde, which can accumulate if the activity of ALDH2 is low. Acetaldehyde can increase your heart rate, resulting in your body forcing more warm blood through your arteries and capillaries each minute. When this effect combines with alcohol-induced vasodilation, your facial heat and flushing intensify.
Alcohol Flush Reaction & Genetic Factors
ALDH2 Deficiency & Asian Flush
In the liver, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) breaks down ethanol to produce the toxic acetaldehyde. The enzyme ALDH2 usually oxidizes acetaldehyde into acetate. Genetic variants can reduce the activity of ALDH2, allowing acetaldehyde levels to build up in the bloodstream.
High levels of acetaldehyde stimulate immune cells called mast cells to release histamine. The release of vasodilators relaxes capillaries in your face. Within 1 hour of drinking alcohol, you may experience facial warmth and redness.
Findings suggest that approximately 560 million East Asians carry the ALDH2*2 variant. The prevalence of this variant varies from 28% in areas like Korea to 45% in places like Taiwan.
The ALDH2*2 variant is caused by a minor DNA swap that replaces one building block (glutamate) with another (lysine). ALDH2 normally exists as a four-part structure; so, when a single part is faulty, the whole enzyme fails to work properly. Thus, people who carry one copy of the ALDH2*2 variant have less than half the normal enzyme function, and those with two copies have almost none.
Other Genetic Predispositions
ADH has variants that influence alcohol-induced flushing and facial heat. They include the following:
How to Identify Genetic Flushing vs. Temporary Warmth
Here’s what you need to know about genetic flushing:
Here’s what you need to know about “normal” flushing:
Normal Blush or Warning Sign? Spotting the Difference
Benign Facial Warmth
Benign facial warmth is a common reaction to natural triggers. When it happens, your face becomes warm and red or pink. You may also have other symptoms depending on what’s causing your facial warmth. The reddening or pinkness of your skin is short-lived and isn’t tied to any underlying health issue.
When you experience benign facial warmth after drinking alcohol, it may not be associated with enzyme deficiencies like ALDH2 and can be caused by:
Potentially Serious Reactions
When your body releases histamine from your mast cells, you may develop symptoms similar to an allergic reaction, like:
In more severe cases, you may faint or develop a rapid heartbeat and wheezing.
Some people with ALDH2 deficiency also experience alcohol-induced respiratory problems, like breathing difficulties or rapid heart rate.
Interaction with Medications & Conditions
Alcohol can have a negative interaction with the following medications and conditions:
Health Risks Linked to Frequent Alcohol-Induced Flushing
Elevated Cancer Risk in ALDH2 Deficiency
A 2023 review found that people with ALDH2 genetic variations face a higher risk of alcohol-related liver, esophageal, and oral cavity/pharynx cancers than previous estimates suggested.
A meta-analysis found that people with two copies of the ALDH2*2 variant have an impaired metabolism of acetaldehyde. They may avoid drinking because it makes them very uncomfortable. These findings further suggest that people with one *2 variant have about a 2.5‑times higher overall risk of esophageal cancer compared to those with only *1 variants.
Cardiovascular Strain
Here’s how alcohol can cause fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate associated with flushing:
Skin Barrier Damage
Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and destroy or impair its protective barrier. You may experience inflammatory responses and a worsened vascular sensitivity, which can lead to long-term redness and dilated tiny vessels.
Regular alcohol-induced flushing also widens facial blood vessels, especially in people with conditions like rosacea. Over time, this increases inflammation in the skin. As you experience more flushing, your vascular control weakens, leading to persistent redness, even when you’re not drinking.
Alcohol dilates blood vessels. Chronic alcohol use stretches their walls and weakens them, making them susceptible to rupture. Some people develop red spider-like lines or spots called telangiectasia.
Practical Tips to Minimize Facial Heat
Choosing Low-Histamine & Sulfite-Free Drinks
Histamines and sulfites in drinks can trigger flushing and facial warmth in people with high sensitivity to these components. Choose drinks wisely to avoid or minimize these reactions. Red wines contain much higher histamine levels than white wines or sparkling wines. Below is a comparison of histamine levels in different alcoholic drinks.
While few people are allergic to sulfites, they can trigger flushing or hives in people with allergies. If you’re allergic to sulfites, choose drinks that have low or no sulfite content. Below is a comparison table of sulfite levels in different alcoholic beverages.
Pacing & Portion Control
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines one standard drink as:
The following alcohol limits are recommended based on a standard drink:
Hydration and Balanced Nutrition
Electrolytes help in hydration and water retention. Take electrolyte beverages to manage dehydration-induced facial heat or flushing. You can try an oral rehydration solution or make an electrolyte-rich drink at home.
Anti-inflammatory foods help manage inflammation-induced facial heat or flushing. Try foods like leafy greens, olive oil, nuts, beans, tofu, whole grains, and herbs, like ginger, garlic, and turmeric.
Over‑the‑Counter Aids & Medical Options
Antihistamines, like cetirizine, loratadine, or diphenhydramine, block histamine receptors. They potentially reduce facial warmth and redness caused by the release of histamine from alcoholic drinks. Please note that antihistamines are not recommended for addressing an alcohol flush. They do not prevent the buildup of acetaldehyde and can increase health risks.
Beta-blockers, like propranolol, carvedilol, or nadolol, slow down your heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions. They may manage facial warmth or flushing caused by increased blood flow. Beta-blockers are prescription medications and can cause low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, and dizziness.
Long‑Term Management & Lifestyle Adjustments
Tracking Triggers via Journaling Apps
Tracking factors that provoke facial warmth or flushing helps you know what to avoid and when change is necessary. The following are ways to make use of a journaling app to track your triggers:
Genetic Testing & Professional Counseling
Consider genetic testing if:
Seek professional counseling for the following reasons:
When to Seek Medical Advice
Danger Signs Requiring Immediate Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience or show the following signs:
Preparing for Your Appointment
Here are questions you can ask your doctor in your next appointment:
Here’s information you can bring to your next appointment:
Nirvana’s Chill Cheers: Sip Smart, Glow Cool
Facial warmth or flushing is typical among people with an ALDH2 deficiency. Such people have a problem processing acetaldehyde, which is toxic, into acetate, which is non-toxic. Your facial warmth or flushing may also be caused by an allergy to histamines or sulfites, which are components present in some alcoholic drinks.
The best way to avoid facial warmth or flushing when drinking is to make informed decisions, like choosing your drink wisely and sticking to standard drinking limits.
It’s essential to have all the information about why you experienced facial warmth or flushing when drinking alcohol. Consult healthcare professionals to get information you can trust.
Nirvana is a go-to source for evidence-based wellness guidance and community support. We want you to enjoy your life responsibly as we support your overall well-being. Contact our mental health treatment team at Nirvana Recovery today for professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not really. Flushing can be a result of an alcohol allergy, but the two are different. Flushing is the reddening or pinkness of your face, while an alcohol allergy is an intolerance to some or all components that alcohol contains.
Yes, it can. Switching to spirits can reduce your facial heat if it results from histamine or sulfite intolerance. Spirits have very low to negligible amounts of histamine and sulfite compared to wine, which has large quantities.
Here’s what you can do:
It depends on how flushing makes you feel. If it makes you uncomfortable or embarrassed, you can try sticking to standard drinking limits. If that doesn’t work, you can try avoiding alcohol altogether.
No, it doesn’t. Facial redness happens due to acetaldehyde buildup and vasodilation, not a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Your liver is processing ethanol at the usual rate, but it can’t break down its byproduct (acetaldehyde) efficiently. The excess acetaldehyde “leaks” into your bloodstream and causes redness or warmth. You may consider facial redness a warning sign that acetaldehyde is accumulating, but not that you’re absorbing or processing alcohol faster.