Did you know that if you shave, one-third of what your razor removes is skin?

When we asked our team that question, we received the same response across the board: “I had no idea.”

Most women devote plenty of time to face care, but they don’t give much thought to their underarms, which go through a natural cycle of shedding and rebuilding cells just like any other type of skin. If you regularly shave, you disrupt that cycle by prematurely removing the top layer of skin cells. That can cause irritation, redness, bumps and other issues. Sound familiar?

When it comes to skin goals, irritation isn’t one. And Dove, the number one deodorant and antiperspirant brand recommended by dermatologists, thinks we should all expect more from our antiperspirant than just sweat and odour protection. That’s why they created Dove Advanced Care antiperspirant in both a dry spray and stick format. Not only does it claim to protect against sweat and odour for up to 72 hours but it also contains pro-ceramide technology—just like you’d find in your skincare—to replenish the skin barrier for soft, resilient skin after every shave.

The ELLE Canada team put the dry spray to the test to see what it’s all about.

The new antiperspirant is available in a range of scents, including Cool Essentials (green tea and cucumber), Revive (juicy pomegranate), Apple & White Tea, Coconut Water & Sweet Lime, Passion Fruit & Lemongrass and more. It’s PETA-approved vegan and cruelty-free.

JOANNA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AT ELLE 

Time she spends on skincare: “Thirty minutes, if I’m lucky.”

How she cares for her underarms: “I am very basic. I wash and shave my underarms in the shower.”

What she usually looks for in a deodorant or antiperspirant: “I’m a creature of habit, so I normally just go with what I’ve always used. The most important thing for me is whether it actually works. And then there’s the scent.”

On discovering that shaving removes (and damages) skin: “I didn’t know that!”

What she thought of the new dry spray: “I love this product! It goes on silky-smooth with no residue and keeps me dry all day, even when I’m running around doing errands or trying to keep up with my son. My skin stays super soft, and it smells divine.”

Price: $8

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MARIE-LAURENCE, PROJECT MANAGER AT ELLE

Time she spends on skincare: “I’d say that 30 minutes a day is dedicated to my skin. It’s the only part of my day that’s 100 percent dedicated to me.”

What she usually looks for in a deodorant or antiperspirant: “I am an athlete and have a busy life. For me, it’s super important to have a deo or antiperspirant that makes me feel fresh all day long. I’m always afraid of smelling bad. My colleagues can confirm this!”

On discovering that shaving removes (and damages) skin: “I had no idea. We pay a lot of attention to our face, but this reminds me not to neglect other areas.”

What she thought of the new dry spray: “It was a wonderful discovery. I tried the Coconut Water & Sweet Lime as well as the pomegranate [Revive]. One was fresher and the other warmer. After a few uses, my skin felt a little softer and moisturized. I was also impressed by its effectiveness throughout the day. I didn’t have to reapply it 10 times or cover myself with perfume when I was afraid of smelling.”

Price: $8

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JULIE, ELLE COLLABORATOR

Time she spends on skincare: “As my boyfriend would tell you, I spend a lot of time in the bathroom taking care of my body—from exfoliation to moisturizing and sun protection.”

How she cares for her underarms: “Sometimes I use an epilator to remove hair from my armpits. If I’m in a hurry, I opt for a razor that I use in the shower.”

What she usually looks for in a deodorant or antiperspirant: “I like antiperspirants that smell good. I choose them a bit like choosing a perfume. For me, it’s the fruity, refreshing fragrances that win my heart.”

What she thought of the new dry spray: “What appeals to me most is the sweet Apple & White Tea fragrance, which reminds me of the perfume I wore in my twenties. I like to use it on movie nights when I’m glued to the sofa with my boyfriend. He’s always telling me how good I smell, and I love it! Also, the soothing formula of this antiperspirant is non-irritant formula, so I can shave in the shower without the risk of a burning sensation in my armpits.”

Price: $8

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The antiperspirant is available in a stick format too, which promises 48 hours of protection against sweat and odour.