I would like to get a nice sun tan while minimizing skin cancer risk (I know there is no such thing as a safe tan, so I know the risk is not zero). If I don't particularly enjoy being fried in the sun for hours, does it incur any larger health risk to just tan directly in the sun without SPF sunscreen for a corresponding shorter amount of time? For instance, is it any worse for my skin to stay in the sun for 8 minutes without sunscreen than 120 minutes with SPF 15? Does it impact the quality of the tan? Thanks for any insights!

What causes the distinct unpleasant sunbed-odour off my (and others') skin? Sunning myself in 'real' sun does not have the same effect, whatever the temperature or humidity.

Further: Why the pale spots on the skin  - shoulder bones and tailbone - if I stay immobile in the sunbed? Would wrapping myself tightly in clingfilm protect me from getting a tan/sunburn?