Aaron Van Domelen

Skin Retouching in Photoshop Using Healing Tools and High Pass Filters

Start with a high-resolution image for best results.

This allows you to preserve layers and edits.

This keeps the original image intact for reference.

This allows non-destructive healing edits.

Create a blank layer above the duplicate for healing.

The Spot Healing Brush is useful for quick blemish removal.

Select the Spot Healing Brush tool from the healing tool palette.

This ensures the tool samples from all visible layers.

Set the Spot Healing Brush to 'Sample All Layers'.

The tool will automatically blend the area with surrounding skin.

Paint over blemishes with the Spot Healing Brush.

Adjust the brush hardness as needed for better blending.

The Healing Brush allows you to select a source area.

Switch to the Healing Brush tool for more control.

This setting lets you sample from the current and lower layers.

Set the Healing Brush to 'Sample Current and Below'.

Hold Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) and click to sample a clean skin area.

The tool blends the sampled area with the target.

Paint over blemishes using the Healing Brush.

This tool is more effective for larger or stubborn spots.

Use the Healing Brush on more pronounced blemishes.

A softer brush edge helps blend corrections naturally.

Alternate sampling from different sides for better blending.

Avoid removing natural features like smile lines.

This helps you see the effect of your retouching.

Turn the healing layer on and off to compare changes.

Duplicate your layer again for high pass filtering.

Go to the Filter menu and select Other > High Pass.

This step prepares the high pass layer for blending.

Invert the selection and change the blending mode to Vivid Light.

Apply the High Pass filter again if needed.

Gaussian Blur will help blend the high pass effect.

Increase the radius until skin texture looks natural.

Adjust the Gaussian Blur radius to bring back detail.

This lets you selectively apply the effect.

This hides the effect so you can paint it in where needed.

Press Ctrl+I (Windows) or Command+I (Mac) to invert the mask.

Use low flow and zero hardness for subtle blending.

Paint with a soft white brush on the mask to reveal the high pass effect only where needed.

Switch tools to address any remaining blemishes or texture issues.

Fine-tune by alternating between the healing brush and high pass layers as needed.

Ethical retouching respects the subject's wishes and natural features.

Be mindful of your subject's character and always consider consent when retouching.

Learn how to retouch skin in Photoshop while preserving natural texture and respecting the subject's character.

Photoshop Skin Retouching Tutorial: Healing Tools and High Pass Filter Techniques

Introduction to Skin Retouching

Using Spot Healing and Healing Brush Tools

Maintaining Facial Features and Texture

Applying High Pass Filter and Gaussian Blur

Blending and Refining Retouching

Final Adjustments and Ethical Considerations

This tutorial focuses on skin retouching techniques using healing tools and high pass filters in Photoshop to maintain skin texture while minimizing blemishes. The instructor demonstrates how to use spot healing, healing brush, and high pass filter combined with Gaussian blur to achieve natural-looking skin restoration. Emphasis is placed on preserving important facial features like smile lines and respecting the subject's character and consent in photo retouching.