Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While common, many clients can feel insecure about it and want their acne removed in Photoshop. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, removing acne from photos is an important skill to have when these requests arise. In this article, we’ll explore how to remove acne in Photoshop using different tools and techniques.
Watch the Photoshop Acne Video Tutorial
Now, as a photographer, I deal with acne with most of my senior sessions. Of course, there are one or two students that have escaped the puberty beast and makes my post processioning a lot easier, but for the majority, there is always some retouch that is required. Phlearn has just released a 10 minute tutorial on fixing acne in Photoshop.  In it he breaks down how to remove acne in two steps – first to remove the redness and then working on the texture. It’s simple, quick and I wish I could Photoshop my face in real life some days when a big pimple pops up on my forehead. But alas, I’ll have to settle for removing it from all my photos. Thanks, Phlearn!
If you want to get some more great Photoshop education for an affordable price, check out Phlearn’s Photoshop 101 and 201 available in the SLR Lounge store.
Tips for Removing Acne in Photoshop
Preparing the Image in Photoshop
The first step in removing acne from a photo in Photoshop is to prepare the image. This involves importing the image into Photoshop, creating a duplicate layer, and adjusting the levels to correct any color imbalances. It’s also important to apply a blur filter to soften the image and create a smoother texture for easier acne removal.
Using the Spot Healing Brush Tool
The Spot Healing Brush Tool is a powerful tool in Photoshop for removing acne. To use this tool, simply select the Spot Healing Brush Tool from the toolbar, adjust the brush size and hardness to fit the size of the acne, and click on the affected area to remove it. Repeat the process for each area of acne until the skin looks smooth and even.
Using the Clone Stamp Tool
The Clone Stamp Tool is another effective tool for removing acne from photos. This tool allows you to clone an area of the skin that is clean and free of acne and use it to cover up the affected area. To use this tool, select the Clone Stamp Tool from the toolbar, adjust the brush size and hardness, and then click on a clean area of the skin. Hold down the Alt key and click on the area you want to remove, then use the Clone Stamp Tool to cover up the affected area with the clean skin sample. Repeat the process for each area of acne until the skin looks smooth and even.
Using the Healing Brush Tool
The Healing Brush Tool is similar to the Clone Stamp Tool, but it works by sampling from a clean area of the skin and blending it into the affected area. To use this tool, select the Healing Brush Tool from the toolbar, adjust the brush size and hardness, and then sample a clean area of the skin. Click on the affected area to remove it, and the Healing Brush Tool will automatically blend the clean skin sample into the affected area. Repeat the process for each area of acne until the skin looks smooth and even.
Comparison of Spot Healing Brush, Clone Stamp, and Healing Brush
Each tool has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best tool to use will depend on the specific needs of the photo. The Spot Healing Brush Tool is quick and easy to use but may not work well on larger areas of acne. The Clone Stamp Tool offers more control but can be more time-consuming. The Healing Brush Tool offers a blend of both techniques and can be a good choice for medium-sized areas of acne.
Final Touches and Saving the Edited Image
After removing the acne, it’s important to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image to make it look natural and balanced. Once you’re satisfied with the final result, save the edited image in the desired format.
Conclusion
Removing acne in Photoshop is an essential skill for any photographer, and each tool offers its own unique advantages for different situations. By following these simple steps and using the right tool for the job, you can enhance the quality of your photos and create more visually appealing images.
