Let’s learn another simple and useful technique of smoothening skin texture via Photoshop. The tools so used are brush, layer mask, layer panel, and filter. Let’s get started!
The following are the steps involved in doing it right:
Step 1:
Tap on Ctrl+J/Cmd+J to make a copy of the image is freshly opened.
Step 2:
Select Filter followed by Blur and Surface for blurring out the image which required nice smooth skin. Surface blur was chosen because it secures the edges. Set the threshold as 16 levels, radius to 25 pixels, and selection “ok”.
The opacity of the duplicate layers should be brought down to 41%. This is because of the lesser the opacity better the skin texture.
Step 3:
Select Layer and Layer Mask, followed by Hiding All to hide the layer and also to add a black rectangular box-like structure beside the layer thumbnail.
Step 4:
From the tool panel, select the Brush Tool or simply press B for it. Enable the Layer Mask and make white as the foreground color. Start brushing on the skin.
By clicking on Alt/Opt keys and layer mask, one can brush all over the skin irrespective of any area or spot. Black shall show the area where it was not brushed, whereas, the white shall depict the areas brushed. Select and hold the Alt/Opt keys and tap on the layer mask to turn off the same.
The image shall appear like the one below after painting all over the skin.
Step 5:
Tap and hold on to ctrl/cmd followed by a layer mask.
The selection shall be loaded.
Step 6:
Tap on “Background layer” and then press Ctrl+J/Cmd+j to duplicate the selected source onto a new layer.
Step 7:
Drag and drop the duplicated layer to the top of the layer panel.
Step 8:
Choose Filter, Other, and lastly, High Pass. Press “ok” after setting the radius to 4.3 pixels.
Change the mode from Blend to Soft Light which adds a nice texture to the skin.
Voila! We get the image as shown below if all the steps are followed carefully.
