I've put gel padding on all of my bikes for minimizing vibration and because the larger radius bars are more comfortable for my XL hands. When riding at high altitudes in NM, I've been wearing TT gloves that are form fitting, pretty thin and cover from above the wrist to the middle of my fingers, blocking a little more sun. I also wear sun sleeves to minimize UV exposure.

Gloves have also minimized road rash to my hands in a couple of accidents. Sad to report, they don't prevent broken fingers or concussions.