Comments on: Switching off the asian glow?

Question: Switching off the asian glow?

oranges — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:56:36 -0800

Is there any way to prevent or alleviate the "asian glow" when drinking?

When I drink, I get the "asian glow" really badly, even after just a little alcohol. I won't feel much effect but my face will turn deep red, and sometimes it will extend down to my chest as well. This generally discourages me from drinking, which is a good thing, but sometimes I feel out of place when I'm the only one not drinking. I've heard pepcid AC prevents it but I haven't tried it myself. Does anyone know any ways to prevent this?

By: ericb

ericb — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:24:41 -0800

Be sure to check out this previous AskMe Thread: How can I keep myself from turning red when drinking?

By: yeoja

yeoja — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:33:38 -0800

I'm also asian, and can attest to the Pepcid AC strategy mentioned in the link.

By: suedehead

suedehead — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:06:00 -0800

Like Pandemic Soul's comment in the first thread, different alcohols will do different things, so try to see what makes you blush. I can get amazingly drunk on vodka/gin/soju/sake while looking completely sober (this has worked to my advantage many a time), while a single glass of beer/wine will make me blush incredibly red.

By: MadamM

MadamM — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:20:23 -0800

Try taking an antihistamine or Pepcid. More information here.

By: nax

nax — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:41:32 -0800

mr. nax swears by Pepcid AC. Take it before you know you will be drinking.

By: heathergirl

heathergirl — Sun, 18 May 2008 17:24:46 -0800

Be aware of mixing antihistamines and alcohol. The drowsiness often brought on by use of antihistamines can be magnified by the use of alcohol. Fewer drinks will often get you drunker-feeling with antihistamines on board.

IANAD, but I do have allergies.

By: zippy

zippy — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:21:40 -0800

Most people don't really care whether you're drinking alcohol. At least, once they realize that you're OK with it. Have a soda, tell them you're all set, and after a few minutes, even the most hard-core of 'are you sure you don't want a drink?' hosts will have stopped caring.

By: randomstriker

randomstriker — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:36:22 -0800

As a teetotaller, one could feel "out of place" for reasons other than a desire to conform. We are social animals given to shared experiences. Sometimes, when everyone zigs, it's just not as much fun to zag.

By: s01110011

s01110011 — Sun, 18 May 2008 19:42:17 -0800

See Alcohol Flush Reaction. The redness is due to a genetic mutation/overactive enzyme - there doesn't seem to be any substantial evidence that you can ever rid yourself of "Asian Glow." On the bright side, it seems that those susceptible to Asian Glow might be less prone to alcoholism.

Seems there are some interesting suggestions to try here: Asian Glow Community.

By: mostlymartha

mostlymartha — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:24:47 -0800

If I may piggyback on the chance that anyone has any useful info, I'm not asian (just an almost consumptively fair skinned white girl) but I think I get a something similar to this. Sometimes, after my first three sips of a drink, I get flushed cheeks and a hot face and can suddenly feel my heart beating. It's odd and notable, but five sips later it goes away. It doesn't happen every time I drink, doesn't seem to be worse with wine (of which I drink a good bit) or gin or anything else, and it never persists past that first 1/3 to 1/2. I Does this sound like the same thing? Or am I just weird?

By: Dr.James.Orin.Incandenza

Dr.James.Orin.Incandenza — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:37:53 -0800

I'm not Asian but suffer from a similar affliction. My face and chest often get blotchy if I've had a few. On occasion someone might mention it - I usually just shrug and say 'yeah, my skin does that when I drink - so now that you've me feel uncomfortable, the next drinks on you, right?'

I guess I'm saying that you have the option of accepting that it's just another quirky thing about being you. It used to bother me but now I really don't care much.

Either way - cheers!