Drinking alcoholis all fun and games until … your face unexpectedly turns red.

That’s how the saying goes, right?

And there’s a scientific reason for that.

Person holding up half-full red wine glass in vineyard

A mutation of the ALDH2 gene is likely the reason why some people approx.

eight percent of the population have difficulty breaking down acetaldehyde, which is a substance found in alcohol.

Who is more likely to turn red after drinking and is it preventable?

Woman with blonde hair holding glass of wine and charcuterie board

And unfortunately, there’s no cure for facial flushing in conjunction with drinking alcohol.

If you’re consistently experiencing facial flushing due to alcohol consumption, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

It might be best to cut out alcohol for good.