Whether you’re editing a portrait, a product shot, or a close-up, removing blemishes in Photoshop is a key retouching skill. Done well, it keeps the subject looking natural while enhancing the overall image. The good news? It’s easier than you might think.
1. Open your image and duplicate the layer
Before making any edits, always work non-destructively.
- Open your image in Photoshop.
- Press Ctrl+J (Windows) or Cmd+J (Mac) to duplicate the background layer.
- This lets you work on a separate layer so the original remains untouched.
You can name the new layer something like “Retouching” for clarity.
2. Zoom in on the area with blemishes
Use the Zoom tool (Z) or press Ctrl/Cmd + to zoom in on the face or area you want to retouch. This helps you work more precisely and avoid over-editing.
3. Use the spot healing brush tool
The Spot Healing Brush Tool is one of the quickest and most effective tools for removing blemishes.
- Select it from the toolbar or press J.
- Make sure “Content-Aware” is selected in the top menu.
- Adjust the brush size so it’s slightly larger than the blemish (you can use the [ and ] keys to resize).
- Click once over each blemish. Photoshop will automatically sample nearby pixels to blend the area.
For best results, tap gently rather than dragging across the skin.
4. Use the healing brush tool for more control
If you need more precision, the Healing Brush Tool lets you choose exactly where to sample from.
- Select the Healing Brush Tool (also under J).
- Hold Alt (Option on Mac) and click on a clean skin area to sample it.
- Then click or paint over the blemish.
This method is helpful if the Spot Healing Brush doesn’t blend things quite right.
5. Try the clone stamp tool for tricky areas
For areas with tricky lighting or texture (like near edges or features), the Clone Stamp Tool might work better.
- Select the Clone Stamp Tool (press S).
- Alt/Option-click to sample a nearby area.
- Gently paint over the blemish.
Use a soft-edged brush and work at low opacity (around 20–30%) for a more subtle effect.
6. Don’t overdo it
Retouching should enhance, not erase, a person’s natural features. Leave natural skin texture intact and avoid creating an overly smooth or “plastic” look.
You can also lower the opacity of your retouching layer to reduce the intensity if needed.
7. Zoom out and check your work
Once you’re happy with the edits, zoom out and view the image as a whole. It helps to turn the retouching layer on and off to compare before and after.
Photoshop offers powerful tools for removing blemishes—but the key is subtlety. A light touch, a good eye, and smart sampling can make all the difference. Whether you’re editing a professional portrait or a personal photo, these techniques will help you create clean, natural-looking results every time.
