German consumer goods company Beiersdorf said on Thursday that its decision to focus on its core Nivea skincare line was beginning to yield results as it reported a better than expected 18 % jump in first-quarter profit.

The group, whose products also include Labello lip balm and La Prairie luxury skincare, reported a first quarter comparable earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of €198 million and sales of €1.53 billion.

Analysts had forecast EBIT of €187 million and sales of €1.45 billion, according to a Reuters poll.

It said it expected sales to rise in 2012 and forecast that the EBIT margin at its consumer division would come in between 11 and 12%, after having dropped to 11.4% in 2011.

For the first quarter, the EBIT margin at the consumer division was 12.8%.

Beiersdorf is currently undergoing a revamp based around its key Nivea brand as it seeks to regain lost market share from rivals such as L'Oreal