Fall Back into Glowing: Seasonal Spray Tan Tips for Autumn

As the leaves change and the air gets crips, there's one thing you don't have to say goodbye to this season—your golden glow. While many people think spray tans are only for summer, fall is actually one of the best times of year to keep up with your sunless routine. Whether you're preparing for cozy sweater weather, seasonal photo hoots, or holiday events, a flawless spray tan can keep your skin looking radiant and healthy all season long.

Here's how to "fall back into glow" with the best spray tan tips for autumn.

Adjust Your Spray Tan Shade for the Season

Just like your wardrobe transitions from bright and airy to warm and cozy, your spray tan formula should shift too. During the fall months, most clients prefer a more natural, medium to light depth glow rather than the deep bronze they loved in July.

Pro Tip: Choose a spray tan solution with golden, caramel, or neutral brown undertones to compliment the softer fall lighting and your cooler-weather makeup looks. X-Tan Sunless solutions are designed to deliver a customizable glow—from subtle sun-kissed radiance to rich autumn-ready bronze.

Prep Your Skin Differently Cooler Weather

As temperatures drop, skin tends to get drier—which can impact how evenly your spray tan develops and how long it lasts. Fall is the time to upgrade your prep routine:

1. Exfoliate gently 24 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface.

2. Hydrate your skin with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer daily (but skip it the day of your tan).

3. Avoid hot showers and harsh soaps, which can strip your tan prematurely.

A little extra care will help your spray tan last up to a week or more—even as the weather changes.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Dry air = dry skin, and dry skin = patchy fade. One of the most important fall spray tan tips is moisturizing consistently.

Look for hydrating lotions with ingredients like aloe, shea butter, and other naturally derived ingredients. We prefer our Sunless Safe Shimmer Lotion for the most delicious subtle vanilla scent and shimmer that will accentuate your tan while rejuvenating your skin. Using a sunless safe moisturizer 1-2 times a day will help lock in your glow without breaking down DHA (the active ingredient that develops your tan). Prolonging hydration will help your spray tan fade gradually and beautifully, so you stay glowing well into sweater season.

Extend Your Glow with Gradual Tanners

Want to stretch your spray tan between appointments? Fall is the perfect time to introduce a gradual tanning lotion or glow extender like our X-Tan Sunless Tanning Mousse into your routine. These products refresh your color subtly and keep your tone even—especially helpful when you're wearing more layers and exfoliating less often.

X-Tan Pro Tip: Use the X-Tan Sunless Mousse once a week to maintain a healthy, luminous, streak-free finish at home. This is the perfect option to touch up those areas on the body like your hands and face that fade more quickly.

Plan Ahead for Special Events

Fall is full of photo-worthy moments—from pumpkin patch dates and family portraits to weddings and holiday parties. To look your best, plan your spray tan about 24-48 hours before the event so it has time to fully develop. This also allows you the time to properly rinse and shower for the best outcome.

These steps help to ensure your glow is at its peak for whatever the season brings—and you'll feel confident from brunch to bonfire.

Bonus: Don't Forget Your Face

Cooler weather often means a switch in skincare routines, but don't skip your face tan! Using a face-specific sunless tanning mist or drops will keep your complexion glowing even when the rest of your skin is bundled up. Plus, if you've ever gotten a fresh, flawless spray tan before you know how much more confident it makes you feel overall. This renewed confidence in your skin also helps you wake up feeling flawless even without a stitch of makeup. Pair your fresh glow with hydrating serums and SPF for a flawless, lit-from-within finish.

Final Thoughts: Autumn is the Season of Effortless Glow

Spray tans aren't just for summer—they're your secret weapon for healthy, radiant, and confident skin all year long. With the right products and prep, you can keep your glow going strong through pumpkin spice season and beyond.

At X-Tan Sunless, we're here to help you embrace your most radiant self, no matter the weather. Our premium spray tan solutions are formulated for long-lasting, natural-looking results—perfect for autumn and every season after.

Ready to fall back into glow? Explore our professional-grade solutions and retail products at xtansunless.com and keep your glow game strong all year long.