Do UVA and UVB rays work together to produce a tan?

The correct response is that both UVA and UVB rays work together to produce a tan. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are primarily responsible for the immediate darkening of the skin that can occur after exposure, as well as contributing to photoaging and the development of skin cancer over time. UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for the more intense burning of the skin and also stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color and helps protect against further UV damage.

Together, these two types of ultraviolet radiation play a crucial role in the tanning process. While UVA is more prominent in tanning beds and can lead to tanning relatively quickly, UVB exposure is necessary for the natural tanning process that occurs after sun exposure. Therefore, both types of rays contribute to achieving a tan, highlighting the importance of understanding their roles in skin reactions.