Moisturizer is the core of our beauty regimens. It’s as essential as that morning glass of water, and it has the potential to make a genuine difference in that coveted healthy glow of our skin. Yet, many women tend to slap on their creams without a lot of thought. From the ingredients inside it to the way in which you apply it, here’s everything you need to know to get maximum benefits (think radiant, petal-soft, smooth skin) from your moisturizer.

Check out your moisturizer’s IQ.  If you want to have a truly healthy glow, then hydration is essential. Most creams instantly improve the look and feel of your skin. Many address concerns like fine lines or uneven skin tone. And some moisturizers are especially designed for maximum glow-inducing moisture. Case in point: Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief has hyaluronic acids and moisture barrier builders that go deep to hydrate your skin cells from every direction, not just the surface—pretty amazing.

Put a lid on it. For the sake of your moisturizer’s integrity, always close the lid or cap tightly, and keep it tucked away in a drawer or medicine cabinet. Bonus: Stash it in the refrigerator. Cooled-down moisturizer is a pick-me-up and can also quickly leave skin feeling soothed and refreshed.

Have a 24-hour strategy. It’s not a gimmick. There's a difference between night and day skin care formulas. Night creams are specifically designed to support the natural cell renewal and repair process that happens during sleep. Alternatively, day creams usually contain broad-spectrum SPF and antioxidants to protect your skin from free radical damage. 

Never skip it…even if you have oily skin. There’s a great moisturizer out there for everyone, but it can’t read your mind, so clarify your needs. Identify your skin type (dry, oily, all sorts of combinations), to find the right level of hydration. Unsure? Try this quiz. The appropriate moisturizer will help balance out your skin and enable it to function properly instead of hyper-react. Take oily skin, for example. Know someone who avoids moisturizer because she thinks it makes her greasy? It’s a common misbelief. The truth is that while some people do have overactive sebaceous glands, “greasiness” may occur because skin produces excess sebum (a.k.a. oil) when it’s dehydrated—it’s creating moisture for itself, but overcompensates. The right kind of moisturizer, which combines oil-free hydration and oil control, can both help people with naturally oilier skin and prevent the whole dry-skin—> extra-sebum —> shiny-skin chain of events. All that being said, less is more. Try using a nickel-size dollop, and adjust as needed.

Keep calm, and smooth it on. When it comes to fragrance and potential allergens in your lotion, err on the side of caution, particularly if your skin is prone to irritation. Moreover, moisturizer should help your skin be its best self. Skin that’s busy defending itself against unnecessary, harsh ingredients is simply not at its strongest. Why would you stay in a relationship with a product that doesn’t help make you strong and healthy? It’s counterintuitive, but it happens. Fragrance-free, allergy tested…in this crazy, mixed-up beauty world, you have a lot of options. Don’t settle.