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Book 2, Question 26 · Video

Why Do We Blush?

Video · 1:56 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 2

Have you ever felt your cheeks get warm and pink? That is blushing! Blood rushes to the face, because embarrassment opens tiny blood vessels there.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do we blush?

The Big Idea

Have you ever felt your cheeks get warm and pink? That is blushing! Blood rushes to the face, because embarrassment opens tiny blood vessels there. Blushing is a normal part of being human, and there is nothing wrong with it. Let's find out how your body does it.

Oops Feeling

Step one: the oops feeling. Maybe you tripped, or said the wrong word in front of others. That is a moment when you feel a little embarrassed. Everyone has moments like that.

Brain Sends an Alarm

Step two: the brain sends a social alarm. The alarm tells the body that people might be watching. That is your nervous system doing its job.

Face Vessels Open

Step three: face vessels open, and cheeks go pink. Tiny blood vessels in your cheeks widen, so more blood flows through them. That extra blood makes your skin look pink or red, and feel warm.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a blush. First, there is an embarrassed feeling. Then the brain sends a social alarm. The tiny vessels in the face open wider. And the cheeks turn warm and pink.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Blushing is hard to fake, because you cannot control it. It is completely normal. It happens to people with all kinds of skin, though how much you can see may be different. Ears and necks can blush, too. So if a friend blushes, be kind and cheer them on.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! The next time you feel embarrassed, notice if your ears get warm, too. Feel your cheeks with your hand. When does it happen most? Write it down, and be kind to yourself. Everyone blushes sometimes.

Outro

A blush is just your body's way of showing that you care. Be kind to yourself, and to others! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this