If a dermatologist says “use petroleum jelly,” they are often just choosing the lowest-drama option they know to protect a broken skin barrier fast. Petrolatum seals in moisture and blocks irritants. But sensitive, eczema-prone skin needs more than a seal. It needs comfort and healing too.

Natural Eczema Treatment: Why Docs Push Petroleum Jelly, And What Works Better

Petroleum jelly is the default “do no harm” pick. It seals in moisture and blocks irritants. That is why doctors recommend it for almost everything. But sealing is not the same as soothing. If your skin is angry, tight, or stingy, an occlusive balm with barrier-loving oils and butters can be the better daily go-to.

Why doctors recommend petroleum jelly for basically everything

Doctors are trying to be safe, mitigating risk. Petroleum jelly is low-reactivity and widely available. It is predictable. It also does one job extremely well.

1) It is the lowest-drama option for reactive skin

When skin is inflamed, it can freak out over “nice” ingredients. Fragrance is a common trigger. Some essential oils can sting. Even certain botanical extracts can annoy sensitive skin.

So clinicians often start with fewer ingredients. Less ingredient roulette. Less risk of contact reactions.

2) It is a proven occlusive barrier

Occlusives reduce water loss from skin. Petrolatum is one of the most effective. In dermatology literature, petrolatum can reduce transepidermal water loss by more than 98%.

That is why it shows up in so many “basic skin care” instructions.

3) It is consistent, affordable, and everywhere

A doctor can say “petroleum jelly” and know you can find it. It behaves the same across brands. No learning curve.

That matters when someone is in a flare. Or when a parent is on hour 19 of “my kid will not stop scratching.”

4) It fits the medical goal, which is to protect the barrier fast

When the barrier is compromised, skin loses water and lets irritants in. That spiral can look like dryness, rashy patches, chafing, and itchy, cracked areas.

Occlusion buys your skin time. It is a shield while things calm down.

The issue: petrolatum is a just a seal. Like duct tape.

Petrolatum seals. Full stop.

It does not add barrier-supporting lipids. It does not bring soothing plant oils or butters. It does not feel good to everyone. Some people feel greasy, sticky, or “trapped.”

And here is the real issue. If you hate how it feels, you will not use it. Consistency matters more than the perfect lab answer.

So yes, petroleum jelly can be a smart first move. Especially if you have nothing else. The American Academy of Dermatology even lists multiple practical uses for petroleum jelly in everyday skin care.

But as an everyday go-to for irritated skin, you can do better than duct tape.

What to look for instead: a balm with ingredients that also help skin heal

Moisturizers are not one thing. The best barrier support usually mixes three jobs.

• Occlusives to slow water loss

• Emollients to smooth and soften

• Barrier-supporting lipids to help skin feel more resilient

DermNet outlines occlusives as ingredients that form a protective barrier to reduce evaporative water loss, including petroleum jelly.

A well-built healing balm aims for protection plus comfort. It should feel soothing on contact. It should also stay put on irritation-prone spots.

Signs you need more than petroleum jelly

• Your skin still feels hot, tight, or cranky after you “seal it”

• You want softness and calm, not just shine

• Petrolatum feels too heavy for daytime

• You want one product that works for many irritations

• You need unscented and essential oil free, on purpose

Fix Your Sh*t Healing Balm: the repair kit plus the shield

Petrolatum is the bandage. Fix Your Sh*t is the bandage plus the tools.

Fix Your Sh*t Healing Balm is built to do two jobs at once.

1. Protect the barrier with a breathable, stay-put occlusive layer

2. Support calmer, softer feeling skin with oils and butters that condition dry, reactive skin

If you want a natural eczema treatment approach that is not stuck in “just seal it,” this is the upgrade -- Fix Your Sh*t Healing Balm.

Ingredient-by-ingredient: why it feels different than petrolatum

Shea Butter
Comfort-first moisture. Helps tight, rough skin feel less “crispy.”

Jojoba Seed Oil
Skin-friendly glide. Helps it spread without feeling slick.

Sunflower Seed Oil
Barrier-supportive feel. Great for dry, reactive skin days.

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Deep nourishment when your barrier feels fragile.

Beeswax
Creates a protective layer that locks in moisture and stays put.

Candelilla Wax
Adds structure and smoothness. Helps the balm hold on friction zones.

Want to nerd out on ingredients? Go here: Ingredients Hub

How to use an occlusive balm for best results

If you are using petroleum jelly

Use it like a topcoat. Not a whole personality.
It works beautifully on cuts if you’re a boxer to keep bleeding plugged, just watch Rocky.
It also works wonderfully on newborn poop - slather it on to help sticky meconium wipe off your baby booty easier.
That’s about all I’d recommend it for, unless you have no other options.

If you are using Fix Your Sh*t Healing Balm

Use it as your daily “barrier support + comfort” step.

1. Start on slightly damp skin, after washing or bathing. 

2. Warm a small amount between fingers.

3. Press onto irritated, dry, or reactive areas.

4. Reapply as often as needed, you can't overdo it.

5. Use it as your last step at night to support overnight skin recovery.

For a deeper skin healing guide: How to Help Heal Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis

Bottom line

Petroleum jelly is recommended because it is simple and predictable. It is a strong occlusive and reduces water loss fast.

But “sealing” is not the same as “soothing.”

If you want an everyday go-to for all irritated skin problems that's safe for babies and moms alike, then choose a healing balm that seals and soothes. That is how you actually stick with barrier care.

Author bio 

Written by the GingerGanics team, focused on ingredient-conscious, sensitive-skin support with an evidence-based barrier-first approach and no-fragrance, no-essential-oil formulas.