If you’ve ever noticed that one glass of wine hits harder than it used to, you’re not imagining things. Whether it’s your face turning red faster or your hangovers feeling way more brutal, there’s science behind why alcohol feels different as we get older — and yes, it has everything to do with how your body breaks it down.

First, a Quick Refresher: What’s Alcohol Flush Reaction?

Alcohol Flush Reaction (sometimes called Asian Flush) happens when your body can’t efficiently process a toxic by-product of alcohol called acetaldehyde.

Here’s how it works:

1. When you drink, your liver uses an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) to turn alcohol into acetaldehyde.
2. Another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), then converts acetaldehyde into acetate, a harmless compound your body can easily eliminate.
3. But if your body doesn’t produce enough ALDH (often due to a genetic variation), acetaldehyde builds up quickly.

That buildup triggers redness, nausea, a racing heartbeat, and fatigue — all classic signs of alcohol intolerance.

So… Does It Actually Get Worse With Age?

In many ways, yes. Even people who don’t experience flush may find that alcohol affects them more severely as they get older. That’s because several age-related changes make your body less efficient at clearing toxins like acetaldehyde.

1. Your liver slows down

As we age, the liver produces less of the enzymes that help process alcohol — including ALDH. When ALDH activity drops, acetaldehyde lingers longer in your system, amplifying redness, nausea, and that “can’t-handle-my-drinks-anymore” feeling.

2. You lose water (literally)

Older adults naturally have less water in their bodies, meaning alcohol becomes more concentrated in the bloodstream. The result? Faster intoxication and stronger side effects.

3. Your antioxidant defences weaken

According to toxicology researcher Dr. Young Chul Kim, the liver’s ability to produce glutathione — a key antioxidant that detoxifies acetaldehyde — decreases with age. With less glutathione available, your cells recover more slowly from alcohol’s impact.

4. Body composition changes

Less muscle mass (and more fat) means alcohol has fewer water-rich tissues to distribute through, spiking your blood alcohol concentration and worsening symptoms.

5. Medication and lifestyle factors

With age often comes medication, supplements, or health conditions that can interfere with alcohol metabolism. Even drinking less frequently can make hangovers feel worse, because your body isn’t as “used” to processing alcohol anymore.

The Bottom Line: Everyone Gets Worse at Breaking Down Alcohol

Whether you flush after one drink or just wake up wrecked after two, your ability to process alcohol declines with time.

For people with ALDH2 deficiency, this means alcohol flush reaction can feel stronger and come on faster.

For others, it shows up as longer recovery times, more intense hangovers, or an overall “I just can’t drink like I used to” reality.

Supporting Your Body as You Age

The good news? You can support your liver and metabolism to handle alcohol more comfortably (flush or no flush), with supplements like iBlush that are specifically designed to support your natural metabolism of alcohol.  

And of course, drink smarter. Stay hydrated, eat before you drink, choose lighter alcohols, and pace yourself.

How iBlush Can Help

At iBlush, our mission is simple: to help you enjoy drinking confidently and comfortably, at any age. Our science-backed supplements are designed to support your body’s natural alcohol metabolism, reduce redness, and ease recovery.

Whether you’re fighting the flush or just tired of feeling worse for wear, iBlush is your drinking wingman, helping you bounce back faster and feel better longer.

Because age might slow your metabolism, but it shouldn’t slow the fun.

P.S. We did the research so you don't have to:

1. Sharma, R., et al. (2024). Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms of Alcohol-Induced Dehydration and Its Contribution to Hangover Severity. Current Opinion in Physiology
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Hangover Headache: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology.
3. Eriksson, C. J. P. (1982). The Role of Acetaldehyde in the Actions of Alcohol (Update 1982). Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
4. Cedars-Sinai. (2023). Alcohol Intolerance: What You Need to Know. Cedars-Sinai Health Blog.