UVA and UVB rays are two types of ultraviolet rays that are mostly used for the acquisition of a tan. If you want an ultraviolet rays that will penetrate into the deep part of the multilayer of the skin, then UVA rays should be considered due to the fact that they usually have longer wavelengths compared to UVB rays.
On the other hand, if what you want are rays that will penetrate the surface or the outermost part of the skin, then UVB should be used. As a result of this, tanning beds that are produced with UVB usually help in enhancing melanin production due to the shorter wavelengths of the UVB rays.
On the other hand, tanning beds that are produced with UVA are used in getting and maintaining a desired level of melanin production. UVA rays are usually used to achieve this due to their longer wavelengths; as a result, they tend to give more tanned color.