The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled against a tanning salon which was advertising false information on the health benefits of tanning beds.
In May 2024, the salon in Plymouth published an advertisement entitled ‘Benefits of Tanning’, which then listed ‘Prepares skin for UV exposure prior to holidays’ and ‘Maintains healthy Vitamin D levels’ as reasons to opt for treatment. The ad also stated that tanning can also help prevent ‘SAD, PMS and general depression’, ‘skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema’ and ‘osteoporosis’.
Two claimants challenged whether the advert contained misleading information about the health conditions listed, and whether the ad was irresponsible because it linked claims for health benefits with the use of sunbeds.
The company stated that they were unaware the claims in question were problematic, and had been using them for years and believed they were accurate. The provided links to websites which they said substantiated their claims, one being an at-home sunbed seller which said sunbeds could boost vitamin D levels. Another was a psoriasis charity website which stated some forms of UV therapy can aid psoriasis, but actually advised against the use of sunbeds.
The ASA ruled that marketers should not discourage essential treatment for health conditions for which medical supervision should be sought. It also said that the company did not have sufficient evidence to substantiate its claims, hence the advert must not appear in its current form, and all future ads cannot misleadingly or irresponsibly claim or imply that health benefits could be obtained from sunbeds.
