If your face turns bright red after just one drink, you know how frustrating it can be — the heat, the headaches, the comments.

For Lydia Li, it wasn’t just inconvenient — it was personal.

As someone who experienced alcohol flush reaction firsthand, Lydia decided to do something most people wouldn’t: she dug into the science, spoke to biochemists, and began developing what would become iBlush — a brand dedicated to helping people drink more comfortably and confidently.

In this interview, Lydia shares the science behind alcohol flush, her personal experience, and how iBlush was born.

What exactly is alcohol flush reaction, and why does it happen?

Lydia: Alcohol flush reaction happens when your body can’t efficiently break down alcohol because of a deficiency in the enzyme ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2).

This enzyme is responsible for converting acetaldehyde — a toxic by-product of alcohol metabolism — into acetate, which is harmless.
When ALDH2 doesn’t work properly, acetaldehyde builds up, causing facial redness, warmth, headaches, and nausea.

It’s most common in people of East Asian descent due to a genetic variant in the ALDH2 gene, but it can affect anyone.

What are the most common symptoms people experience?

Lydia: Redness is the obvious one — that classic “tomato face.”
But there’s also a racing heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, and that heavy, hot feeling. Some people get migraines or fatigue after only one or two drinks.

It’s not just about looks — it’s your body signalling that it’s struggling to process alcohol.

How did your own experience lead to creating iBlush?

Lydia: I grew up avoiding alcohol completely because of how embarrassed I felt after just one drink. My face would flush instantly, my heart would race, and I’d feel awful.

When I learned that this wasn’t “just me,” but actually a biological enzyme deficiency, I started researching. I spoke to researchers and formulators, read studies on acetaldehyde and antioxidants like glutathione, and realised there was no safe, science-based product that actually supported the body — only risky hacks like Pepcid or Zyrtec that mask the redness.

That’s when I decided to create iBlush: a supplement system that helps the body process alcohol better instead of hiding the symptoms.

It started small — a patch designed to deliver antioxidants through the skin — and grew into a full range of patches, tablets, and gels, all built around the same science.

How does alcohol flush impact people’s lives beyond the physical symptoms?

Lydia: It can really affect your confidence. For a lot of people, drinking is part of social life — celebrating, networking, dating. When your face turns red or you feel sick after one drink, you start to avoid those situations.

I’ve had people tell me they’d skip birthdays or hide in bathrooms because of the redness. It’s more common than you think. That’s why iBlush isn’t just about a supplement — it’s about empowerment and helping people feel comfortable being part of the moment again.

What makes iBlush different from other “flush fixes”?

Lydia: Most so-called fixes online — like taking antihistamines before drinking — are dangerous. They might reduce the redness, but they don’t help your body clear acetaldehyde, which is the real problem.

iBlush is different because it focuses on supporting your body’s natural detox pathways with antioxidants like Glutathione, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), and R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) — all known to assist healthy alcohol metabolism.

The Patch, Tablet, and Gel formats each offer a different delivery method and activation time, so people can choose what works best for them.

💡 If you’re new to iBlush, the Starter Kit includes all three formats — the perfect way to find your match.

What lifestyle habits can help alongside iBlush?

Lydia: There’s no miracle cure, but small changes really help:

• Eat before you drink, a balanced meal slows absorption.
• Choose clear spirits and simple mixers instead of heavy wines or cocktails.
• Stay hydrated, one glass of water between drinks makes a big difference.
• Listen to your body. If you flush hard or feel dizzy, stop. Your body’s telling you something.

What’s next for iBlush?

Lydia: We’re continuing to expand the range, adding formulas for recovery and hydration, and exploring new ways to support people’s overall relationship with alcohol.

Our mission is simple: to help people drink smarter, not harder.

Flush-free drinking isn’t about encouraging more alcohol — it’s about helping your body handle it better so you can feel confident and comfortable when you do.

The Bottom Line

Alcohol flush reaction is more than a red face — it’s your body’s way of showing that acetaldehyde is building up.

Lydia Li turned that personal frustration into a solution rooted in science and empathy.
Today, iBlush helps thousands of people around the world enjoy social moments comfortably — without risking their health.

Drink smarter. Feel better.
The iBlush way.