what is better is a moisturizing cream or lotion. exposure to humidity -- steam or cool mist -- is not going to be absorbed through your skin and make it moist again. chronically dry skin is usually genetic (atopic dermatitis eczema) and will likely improve by a good non-perfumed moisturizer and perhaps some topical steroids but if you want to increase your humidity for other reasons the cool mist (the ultrasonic types) are the best in my opinion.
which is better for adult dry skin; cool mist humidifier or warm steam vaporizer?