The skin provides a barrier that protects the body from damage from the outside world, be it from bacteria, corrosive elements or foreign bodies. Skin barrier films and creams are widely used to protect the skin from maceration or mechanical damage. This study followed 92 patients with vulnerable skin through a maximum of five days’ consecutive treatment with either a no-sting barrier film (n=74) or a barrier cream (n=18). The results demonstrated positive changes in the appearance of the protected areas of skin. This article also provides practice guidance for the use of barrier films and creams.