Photoshop Elements > Retouching >

Restore Skin Texture

Retouching may smooth the skin texture unrealistically.

Here are three solutions.

The solutions assume the retouched skin is on a separate layer called Layer 1.

Solution #1 - Reduce the Opacity

You can reduce the opacity of Layer 1 to reduce the effect of the retouching that's on the layer.

Reducing the opacity allows some of the unretouched Background copy layer to be visible.

The mixture of unretouched and retouched can create a more realistic result.

Solution #2 - Use the

Multiply Blending Mode

You can change the blending mode of Layer 1 from Normal to Multiply.

Blending Mode?

At the top of the layers stack, look for the unlabeled Blending Mode box.

It's to the left of the Opacity box.

Blending Mode Box

Some of the skin texture from the Background copy layer will be blended with Layer 1.

If the retouching on Layer 1 becomes too dark, due to using Multiply, lower the opacity of Layer 1.

Solution #3 - Add Noise

You can also add noise to Layer 1 to simulate the texture of skin.

Go to Add Noise.