How to sort chicken skin

[CKAJCA]

Hi folks
I am new to this site and also relatively new to retouching in Photoshop. I have learnt a lot since I have been on here but am still struggling with this problem.

I find it very difficult to know how to go about retouching the area under the arms. It is an area that often looks like a plucked chickens skin. I know that is not very flattering but I cannot think of a better way to describe it. I have attached a sample which is a lot better than some that I have come across. The skin is usually very mottled in colour, usually reddish and has obvious signs of hair folicles (or whatever the technical term is).

What PS tools should I use i.e. patch, clone, healing brush etc OR is there a better way to handle it.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I have tried many ways and all of them are very time consuming and don't look natural. Help!!!

[chillin]

Re: How to sort chicken skin

I would use D&B, a quick sample below.

[CKAJCA]

Re: How to sort chicken skin

I would use D&B, a quick sample below.

That is excellent and looks so natural as well. Is there a tutorial or video on how to do that? Thanks, much appreciated.

[0lBaldy]

Re: How to sort chicken skin

CKAJCA, welcome to RetouchPRO
Enjoy your time here. Poke around, ask questions, offer help, have fun!

I learned this method here at RetouchPro, and have made a quick lil action that works on the background layer.. *(Feel free to modify it to suit your needs)*..

** Pimple, Goose Bump, Chicken Skin --- Remover **
(Text Version)
Make a copy of the background layer.... (Ctrl+J)
Desaturate the layer,
Make a copy of that layer... (Ctrl+J)
Gaussian blur on the top layer - enough that all the grunge has disappeared.
Change the blending mode of the blurred layer to "Difference".
Duplicate this "grunge mask" on a new layer (Ctrl+Alt+Shift+N+E)
Use levels to increase contrast of the grunge layer (Shft+Ctrl+L){Auto} ( adjust contrast farther if needed... The brighter more contrast the better!)
Edit/Define Pattern
Turn off the grunge mask layer
Switch the blurred layer's mode back to "Normal"
Add a layer mask to the blurred layer
Edit/Fill to fill the layer mask with the grunge mask Pattern just made
Place a copy of the background layer in "Color" mode over the b&w smoothed out layer to add back color to the image..

Combine all visible on new layer (Ctrl+Alt+Shift+N+E) Add a "Hide All" Layer Mask
Select the "Color Mode" background layer (beneath the new layer with mask just created), and copy it (Ctrl+J) and change the Mode to "Normal"
Select the mask on the layer created before.... Paint with white over "Pimples, Goose Bumps. Chicken Skin"

If you can Improve/Simplify this action please do so and post the modified version..

** Pimple, Goose Bump, Chicken Skin --- Remover **
(Action)
Edit.. Added a Curves Step for contrast

[chillin]

Re: How to sort chicken skin

That is excellent and looks so natural as well. Is there a tutorial or video on how to do that? Thanks, much appreciated.

These links might help you: first post, second post.

[grannysdc]

Re: How to sort chicken skin

Thanks Ol Baldy!
The action is almost like doing instant D&B! Took less than a minute!

[CKAJCA]

Re: How to sort chicken skin

Thanks Chillin and OlBaldy
I am going to watch the videos and give the action a try and let you know the outcome. Thanks guys

[CKAJCA]

Re: How to sort chicken skin

I have tried the action but I am not really sure what I am expecting to see as a result. After the action has run I end up on a normal coloured Layer with a Layer Mask attached to it called Layer 2. I have tried painting with a white brush at 100% opacity but cannot see a massive improvement in my pimples. Help, am I doing something wrong.

Can someone post a section showing the before and after effects of the action so that I can see what the result should look like.

[0lBaldy]

Re: How to sort chicken skin

I have tried the action but I am not really sure what I am expecting to see as a result. After the action has run I end up on a normal coloured Layer with a Layer Mask attached to it called Layer 2. I have tried painting with a white brush at 100% opacity but cannot see a massive improvement in my pimples. Help, am I doing something wrong.

Can someone post a section showing the before and after effects of the action so that I can see what the result should look like.

The action has been changed.. in V1, I add a means to change the contrast..

After the dialog to select the pattern just made.. then the "Fill " box pops up... where it says "Custom Pattern".. click the little down arrow beside the thumbnail.. scroll down if needed and select the last Pattern showing... click OK

Depending on the resolution of the picture you are working on, Both the Gaussian Blur and Contrast may have to be increased

Hint.. instead of doing broad strokes use a small soft brush a bit bigger than the pimple, bump, object.. and use multiple clicks.
Opacity can be changed on the brush for a more subtle effect and the opacity on the layer can be changed to bring back a bit of texture.

hope this helps