How to Retouch Photos in Photoshop

Retouching photos in Photoshop is an essential skill for photographers, designers, and digital artists who want to create clean, professional, and high-quality images. In this guide, you’ll learn how to retouch photos in Photoshop using two of the most powerful techniques: the Patch Tool and Frequency Separation.

Whether you’re editing portraits, beauty shots, or product photos, this workflow will help you achieve stunning results in the shortest time possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Photoshop Retouching :

• How to duplicate layers non-destructively

• How to remove blemishes using the Patch Tool

• How to apply Frequency Separation for professional skin retouching

• Pro tips to retain skin texture while smoothing tones

  Step 1: Duplicate the Background Layer

  Before starting any editing, duplicate the original image to preserve your base.

  • Shortcut: Press Ctrl + J (Windows) or Cmd + J (Mac)

  • Rename the duplicated layer (e.g., “Clean Up Layer”)

     Step 2: Remove Blemishes Using the Patch Tool

    The Patch Tool in Photoshop is perfect for quickly removing pimples, scars, or any skin imperfections.

    How to Use the Patch Tool:

    1. Select the Patch Tool (Shortcut: J)

    2. Set it to New Selection and Source

    3. Zoom in on the image

    4. Draw a selection around a blemish

    5. Drag the selection to a clean skin area

    Repeat the process for all blemishes to clean the skin without losing texture.

    Step 3: Apply Frequency Separation

    Frequency Separation is a high-end retouching technique that separates the image into two layers:

    • Low Frequency Layer: Contains color and tone

    • High Frequency Layer: Contains texture and fine details

    3.1 Duplicate Your Clean Layer Twice

    • Press Ctrl/Cmd + J two times

    • Rename the first copy as Low Frequency

    • Rename the second copy as High Frequency

    3.2 Create the Low-Frequency Layer

    1. Select the Low Frequency layer

    2. Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur

    3. Increase the radius until skin textures are just blurred out (usually 6–10 pixels)

    4. Click OK

       Create the High Frequency Layer

       1. Select the High Frequency layer

       2. Go to Image > Apply Image

       3. Choose the Low Frequency layer as the source

       4. Set blending mode to Subtract (for 16-bit) or Add (for 8-bit)

       5. Scale: 2, Offset: 128 (for 8-bit)

       6. Change the blending mode of the High Frequency layer to Linear Light

          Step 4: Retouch Skin Without Losing Texture

          • Use the Mixer Brush Tool on the Low Frequency layer to blend uneven skin tones.

          • Use the Clone Stamp Tool on the High Frequency layer to clean up texture flaws.

          • Always zoom in and use a soft brush for best results.

          By separating tone and texture, you can achieve smooth skin with preserved realism — the hallmark of professional retouching.

          Before & After Preview

          Please turn off the retouching layers and toggle them on to see the difference. The final result should showcase:

          • Smooth, natural-looking skin

          • Preserved facial features and textures

          • Cleaner, magazine-quality finish

            Pro Retouching Tips:

            • Always work on duplicates to protect the original image

            • Don’t over-blur — maintain realistic skin texture

            • Use soft brushes and low opacity for fine control

            • Save your file in PSD format to keep all layers editable

              Conclusion

              Learning how to retouch photos in Photoshop using the Patch Tool and Frequency Separation will dramatically improve your editing workflow and final image quality. Professional retouchers around the world use these techniques and work well for everything from fashion photography to e-commerce products.