What's the most effective way to apply this lotion so it actually hydrates instead of just sitting on top?

Hydration works by sealing water into the stratum corneum. After showering, pat skin with a towel until it's no longer dripping but still feels cool and slightly damp — this is your window. Dispense a generous amount (roughly a 2-euro-coin size per limb) into your palm, rub hands together briefly to warm it, then smooth over skin in long, upward strokes. Don't rub vigorously; a gentle glide lets the emulsion form a continuous film. Pay extra attention to areas that tend to be rough: outer arms, shins, knees, elbows. If you wait until skin is fully dry, the lotion can only soften the surface; it won't replenish the water lost during washing. For very dry days, you can mist a thermal water spray or hydrosol over dressed skin and reapply a thin layer to the driest spots. Store the bottle at room temperature; extreme heat can thin the emulsion and cold can make it harder to pump.