Blushing is a physiological response which is triggered when we are stressed.
Blushing, or turning red in the face, is a fascinating physiological response that occurs in certain situations, such as embarrassment or alcohol consumption.
It happens because when we feel embarrassed or are in socially awkward situations, our body’s stress response is triggered. This response involves the release of adrenaline, which causes blood vessels in our skin to dilate, allowing more blood to flow through them. The increased blood flow leads to the reddening of the face, giving rise to the characteristic blush.
What purpose does blushing serve? While the utility of blushing continues to remain elusive, it may have some social upsides. Blushing likely evolved as a social signal to communicate our emotional state to others – for example by helping to acknowledge a mistake, defusing the tension in a situation.
Interestingly, alcohol consumption can also trigger facial redness in some people. When we drink alcohol, our bodies metabolise it into a substance called acetaldehyde. This compound can cause blood vessels to expand, resulting in increased blood flow to the skin. As a result, our face can turn red, known as the ‘alcohol flush reaction’.
The alcohol flush reaction is more common among certain populations, particularly individuals of East Asian descent. This is because they tend to have lower levels of an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde. When acetaldehyde builds up in the body, it leads to more intense facial flushing.
Unfortunately, both of these blushing mechanisms are outside of our control, so you just have to grin and bear it!
Read more:
- Dr Monty Lyman: What does our skin tell us about ourselves?
- Can you die of embarrassment?
- Why some people feel no shame, according to a psychologist
- Do animals get embarrassed?
Asked by: Will Oliver, Exeter
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