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Sunbed Ads Banned for False Safety Claims
21 Jan
Summary
- Five tanning companies had adverts banned by the ASA.
- Misleading claims included sunbeds being safe and offering health benefits.
- Adverts downplayed risks and encouraged unsafe tanning practices.
Advertisements from five tanning businesses have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) due to misleading and irresponsible claims concerning the safety of sunbeds. The ASA's Active Ad Monitoring system flagged these adverts, which promoted sunbed use as safe and beneficial for health.
Problematic claims included assertions that tanning could be safely achieved, that sunbeds boost vitamin D, improve mood and energy, and treat conditions like SAD, psoriasis, and eczema. Cancer Research UK and the NHS emphasize that there is no safe way to tan using UV radiation, linking it to DNA damage and increased skin cancer risks.
The ASA determined that these ads were irresponsible for downplaying risks and presenting tanning as healthy. They also risked discouraging medical advice. The companies involved have been instructed to cease these advertisements, with future ads needing to avoid suggesting sunbeds are safe or offer health benefits. One company, The Sun Company, acknowledged a ruling on an early social media post and has since reviewed its advertising practices.
