Why Do We Blush?

Why do we blush when we feel embarrassed? Blushing has to do with a hormone called adrenaline (uh-DREH-nuh-lun). When you feel stressed, embarrassed, shy, or in danger, your body releases adrenaline, the hormone responsible for your “fight-or-flight” response.

When adrenaline is released, you might start breathing faster, and your heart will start racing. The blood vessels inside your body will dilate (widen) to help increase blood flow—this is where blushing comes into play. The blood vessels in your cheeks are closer to the surface than those throughout the rest of your body, so your cheeks will get rosy as the blood rushes to your face.

Even though we sometimes get embarrassed or feel shy, we can always feel confident because the same God who made the sun, moon, and stars also made you and me—in his very image (Genesis 1:27)! And he loves us very much.

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