Photoshop Elements > Retouching >

Smooth Skin, Quickly

Here's a quick way to make skin smooth.

Also, have a look at Smooth Skin and Smooth Skin: Yet Another Method.

Original

Before

After

Be sure to check off as you go along.

Preparation

1) Preserve your original file.

If you haven't already done so, go to Preserve Your Original File.

2) Create a Background copy layer.

If you haven't already done so, go to Create a Background Copy Layer.

High Pass Filter

3) Click the Background copy layer.

4) Go to Filter > Other > High Pass.

5) Set the Radius to 5.

6) Click OK.

Remove Color

7) Go to Enhance > Adjust Color > Remove Color.

Invert

8) Go to Filter > Adjustments > Invert.

Softlight

9) Change the Mode for the layer from Normal to Softlight.

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

10) If the affect is too strong, reduce the opacity of the Background copy layer.

Masking the Effect

The portrait may look more realistic if the smooth skin effect is removed from the eyes, mouth, and perhaps, the tip of the nose.

Compare the eyes below.

If you want to apply the effect to just part of the photograph, go to Masking a Layer.

Smooth Skin Effect Everywhere

Smooth Skin Effect Masked (Blocked) on the Eye