To soften skin via Photoshop can be done by using the red channel. Channels, Brush Tool, Layer Mask, etc., are what we’re going to use. Photoshop CS6 is used for the following, but the older versions also can be used!
The following are the steps involved:
Step 1:
Do open the image intended to be edited in Photoshop. Press window and then channel. Press and hold down Ctrl/cmd and choose the layer thumbnail of the red channel which will load the selection. Choosing a red channel is essential because it comprises the least amount of textures of skin.
Step 2:
By pressing F7, the layer panel can be opened. To create a new layer at the top, use the shortcut ctrl+shift+N/cmd+shift+N and rename it to “brush”. With the help of selection still active, press Layer and then Layer Mask and lastly Reveal Selection.
Step 3:
From the tool panel, select brush tool or simply press shift+B repeatedly until it appears and opacity to be reduced to 15%. Alt/opt should be pressed and held to sample the color and then the Eyedropper tool will appear for a while (temporary). To take the sample, click on the skin in the image.
The adjacent area should be brushed all over.
Step 4:
Brush all over the left cheek once the forehead is done. A lot of samples have always proven to give the best of the results. The difference between the left cheek and the right is easily noticeable.
Step 5:
Repeat the same with the right cheek and do take a lot of samples for effective and desired results.
Step 6:
The image should look something like below after painting all over the skin of the image. The skin shall look way softened and looks blemish-free.
These are the steps to be followed for softening skin using channels of Photoshop for getting the desired results in an effective and efficient manner. Softening skin using the channels of Photoshop can create wonders and blunders in case the basics aren’t clear.
