Indigo Sun Advertisement Banned for ‘Irresponsible’ Messaging
Edinburgh,Scotland – 2024/07/17 14:32 BST – A recent advertising campaign by tanning salon chain Indigo Sun has been prohibited by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after being deemed to promote unsafe tanning practices and irresponsibly downplaying the risks associated with sunbeds. The ASA ruling, issued today, follows complaints regarding the advert’s claims and overall messaging.
The advertisement, which appeared on social media platforms, featured imagery and language that the ASA considered to be misleading and potentially harmful. Concerns centered on the promotion of a “base tan” as a method of sun protection, a claim repeatedly debunked by health professionals.The ASA steadfast that Indigo Sun failed to adequately communicate the established dangers of sunbed use, including increased risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Indigo sun argued that the advert was intended to highlight the controlled habitat of their salons and promote responsible tanning, but the ASA found this justification insufficient. The ruling states that the advert “presented a misleading impression of the benefits of sunbeds and failed to adequately highlight the associated health risks.”
The ASA has mandated that the advertisement must not appear again in its current form. Indigo Sun has been instructed to ensure future advertising complies with the Committee of advertising Practice (CAP) Code, specifically regarding health and safety claims. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about the marketing of sunbeds and the need for clear, accurate information regarding their potential health consequences. Skin cancer rates remain a critically important public health issue in the UK, with over 16,000 new cases diagnosed annually, according to Cancer Research UK data from 2023.
