A method of enhancing the barrier function of the stratum corneum or of accelerating recovery of the barrier function of the stratum corneum is described. The method includes topically administering to the subject in need thereof, an effective amount of a composition comprising: a culture supernatant from a non-lysed Lactobacillus pentosus culture, said supernatant obtained by a process of centrifugation, and a cell lysate from a Lactobacillus pentosus culture, wherein the cell lysate is obtained by inactivation and release of cellular constituents of the cells of the culture, wherein the weight ratio of supernatant to lysate varies from 1 to 50.
