Yes, I do Apple Guard them at least once a month and I use the shoulder straps most of the time. But I do carry them by the handles but I guess I keep my hands clean. I always have hand wipes in my bag, in my car, etc. I don't like dirty hands. I got makeup on the handles once when I was in a hurry to get to work. So I always wash my hands after putting on my makeup too. I guess I'm just careful. I use hand cream but it never turns my handles dark. I've had my LV mono Alma for almost 3 years and the handles still aren't darker than the rest of the bag and I have never treated it with anything. I think if you keep your hands clean, the handles won't darken much.