Is There a Smart Way to UV Tan During Fall & Winter to Help With Seasonal Depression?

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, many of us notice our energy dipping right alongside the fading sunlight. For some, this change brings on more than just the “winter blues”—it can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to decreased sunlight exposure.

At Island Glow, we’re often asked: Is there a smart way to use UV tanning during the fall and winter months to help with these seasonal changes? The answer is yes—with balance, moderation, and a focus on wellness.

Feeling the fall funk creeping in? Shorter days = less sunlight = hello seasonal slump. But guess what… you don’t have to let it win.

Why Light Matters in the Darker Months

Sunlight plays a huge role in regulating our body’s internal clock, mood, and even sleep. Reduced daylight in fall and winter can cause dips in serotonin (the “happy” hormone) and melatonin (the “sleep” hormone), which is why many people feel sluggish, unmotivated, or down.

That’s where intentional light exposure—whether through light therapy lamps, wellness pods, or UV tanning—can help mimic the sun and give your body a little boost.

The Smart Way to UV Tan This Season

1. Use Moderation as Your Mantra

UV tanning should never be about overexposure. Instead, think of it as micro-doses of sunshine. Just a few sessions per week can help your body produce vitamin D and lift your mood without overdoing it.

2. Pair UV With Red Light or Infrared Therapy

Want to maximize the wellness benefits? Try combining UV tanning with a red light session. While UV rays stimulate vitamin D and serotonin, red light works deeper in the skin to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support cellular health. Together, they’re the ultimate mood and body recharge.

3. Time Your Sessions Wisely

Many people feel the dip in energy most in the morning or early afternoon. Scheduling your UV session around these times may give you a natural “reset” that feels like a sunny afternoon break.

4. Support It With Lifestyle Choices

UV exposure works best when it’s part of an overall fall/winter wellness routine. Eating vitamin-D rich foods, staying active, keeping social connections, and practicing good sleep hygiene all play a role in beating the seasonal slump.

Why UV Feels Like Sunshine Therapy

When you step into a tanning bed, your body responds in many of the same ways it does under natural sunlight:

- Vitamin D production (essential for bone, immune, and mood health)

- Serotonin boost (that “feel-good” chemical)

- A warm, calming environment that feels like a mini vacation from the cold

It’s not just about the glow on the outside—it’s about how your body and mind feel on the inside.

Glow tip: It’s not about overdoing it—it’s about micro doses of sunshine (and a whole lotta glow).

Bottom Line

UV tanning during fall and winter can be a smart, supportive way to combat the effects of seasonal depression—if done responsibly. The key is balance, pairing it with other wellness habits, and listening to your body.

So while you may not be able to hop on a plane to the tropics this week, you can treat yourself to a few minutes of sunshine therapy right here at Island Glow. Think of it as your seasonal reset button—glow for your skin, light for your mood.