Adobe corporation's flagship product Photoshop has many different applications, from sign making to creating graphics for Web pages. One of the most frequent uses for the program lies in the area of photo retouching. In particular, it is often used to improve the appearance of someone's skin. There are various ways to accomplish this.
Clone Stamp
One often used tool for repairing long or large blemishes like scars or birthmarks is the Clone Stamp tool. The Clone Stamp tool works by using a group of pixels that the user selects from another area of the image to paint over the blemish. This selected point is relative, meaning that as the user paints over the blemish, the program updates the location of the reference point. Sometimes, this is not what you will want. In that case you will have to change the reference point as you work.
Patch
An alternative to the Clone Stamp tool is the Patch tool. This tools works well for things like small moles or pimples. The user first selects the blemish he wants to replace. He can then hold down the left mouse button and drag the select to an area that he would like to use to patch the blemish. As he moves the mouse, he will see a preview of the change. Releasing the mouse button applies the patch.
Blur
Even after you have removed specific blemishes from the image, you can still be left with problems like splotchy or reddish looking skin. Rather than trying to replace all these areas, a better approach is to use the "Surface Blur" function. Blur is often used by professionals to give models on magazine covers the smooth skin that no one has in real life. Be careful when using this effect, since too much will make the face look like a mask.
