2025.04.27
What Exactly Is Alcohol Flush
Have you ever heard of the term “Sakayake” (alcohol flush)?
“Sakayake,” or alcohol flush, generally refers to a condition where facial skin appears red or flushed. It is typically seen in people who consume large amounts of alcohol.
You can consider alcohol flush as a side effect of acetaldehyde. Normally, facial skin is exposed to sunlight, right?
Exposure to sunlight results in oxidative stress due to ultraviolet radiation. This relationship between sunburn and oxidative stress was explained in our previous article: (https://antioxidantres.jp/column040/).
When alcohol consumption further increases oxidative stress through acetaldehyde (produced during alcohol metabolism), the skin damage from sun exposure becomes even more severe.
Heavy drinkers often have a flushed face. This phenomenon results from the combined effects of oxidative stress caused by sunlight exposure and the acetaldehyde produced when alcohol is metabolized in the body.
By now, most of you understand that oxidative stress leads to damage, or “rust,” in the body.
For more about oxidative stress, please see this separate article: What Exactly is “Oxidative Stress”? (https://antioxidantres.jp/column009/)
Remember, oxidative stress from sunburn and oxidative stress from acetaldehyde combine to cause double damage. To avoid this, be careful about excessive drinking or binge drinking.
あなた:
