How to Remove Wrinkles in Photoshop

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How to Remove Wrinkles in Photoshop
Retouching wrinkles on someone’s face can be a very touchy matter! Today we show you how to both completely remove wrinkles as well as reduce them in a more subtle manner.
Complete Removal
The healing brush tool is our best friend in terms of removing wrinkles! Be sure to use a brush size that is slightly larger than the wrinkle, and then sample a color right below the wrinkle to paint over it (Alt/Opt + Click). Make sure to select “Current & Below” for the sampling.
This technique must be used very carefully, as it is easy to make an elderly face look too smooth.
A More Subtle Approach
For a more natural approach, we can use the clone stamp tool. Duplicate the background layer (Cmd + J) to work on a layer with pixels. If you are on a new layer rather than a duplicated one, this technique will not work. Also, be sure to select the “Lighten” Mode; this paints over the wrinkle in a less obvious manner to conceal the lines.
This tends to be a quicker process than using the healing brush tool, because it simply lightens to darkest parts of the wrinkles and does not pull skin texture from other parts of the face.
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[@MichaelPFox]

Aaron you've shown us a TON of great techniques for a while now. It could be helpful for many people to see a comparison of techniques when several might be done on the same job. Maybe half a dozen photos showing why you would/wouldn't use clone stamp or healing brushes or frequency separation? Thanks for PHLEARN!

[@ChrisadaSookdhis]

These 2tips work much better than a regular clone stamp, which I have been using for too long. Well worth every minutes to watch!

[@tommygibson2296]

This is THE best tutorial I've watched in a long, long time. Thank you!!!

[@darkhorse1985]

1:16 to COMPLETELY remove the wrinkles 4:07 to REDUCE the wrinkles (recommended by Phlearn)

[@zackariashoft4560]

thx

[@frasers1807]

Dude, amazing and thank you. I have been watching and reading on and off for the best part of 2 days and it baffles me how the simple parts of the instructions are left out in all lessons in gerneral......accept yours.Thank you. I was not born an expert in PS and do need some step by step clear instructions to get ahead. Top delivery as well. Many thanks. F

[@scottcarr7820]

Really appreciate this tutorial. This technique has saved me tons of time and looks natural. Can't thank you enough!

[@monkeypiepdx]

I like your techniques. I tried something (a combination of your options) that worked better than the reducing wrinkles option with the Stamp. I created a new layer and used the Healing Brush tool, and then changed the layer setting to 'Lighten', and reduce the opacity of the layer to reduce or increase the intensity. Thank you for your inspiration!

[@char4548]

Omg thanks! you just gained one subscriber! your videos are such a big help seriously it really helped me a lot and pls keep them coming lol! God bless :)

[@angelherg1997]

Love the intro, congratulate who ever made it from my part. So simple, amazing, great.

[@andreamacri5634]

Hi Aaron, thank you so much for this amazing tecniques (expecially the 2nd one!!!). My clients will really love it...

[@lilacchocolate]

I love this! I've been using just the healing tool and completely making wrinkles disappear, this was on a much younger model in her 20's with tiny wrinkles (I guess I'm just so used to photoshopped images in magazines I found it looked odd if I didn't do it). But I agree, when dealing with an older person the second technique is much more natural! Now I know something new, thanks for your help :D

[@bodylover100]

Hi, I am Houssam from Morocco and I love what you guys are doing, my photography and photoshop skills improved like hell since I started watching your videos, and I am pretty sure that many others like me have the same enriching and extended experience. My proposition of an episode that I would LOVE to see you performing, is a photography of a person covering his/her mouth with his/her hand, however with a photoshop technique, we still have the illusion of his/her mouth screaming off through his hand. Thank you very much, I really would LOVE seeing this episode. Cheers! Houssam

[@verukiasado]

I am editing beauty photos all day; all these technics help me to shorten the time I take on each image. This is great!!!

[@bjelliott2855]

Thanks for the video. It was really helpful. I've subscribed & bookmarked your website as well. You're explanation is straight to the point & very clear. Great job :)

[@AakaashBali]

Hey Aaron, Quick idea. I've actually been using a method similar to this for a while now. If you create a new layer, sample a wrinkle-free area that is lighter than the target but also nearby, and clone it over with a lighter blending mode and a brush flow of 10-12%, you can make it a nondestructive by painting on a new layer as well as maintaining a natural look. It'll also allow you to "build up" on the wrinkle removal through multiple passes. I generally do this prior to frequency separation, helps tons. I did however never think of using the healing brush to completely remove them though. I've always just faded them away with this method. The healing brush actually does work pretty well, thanks!

[@barryattwater3213]

Thanks Aaron, I always wanted to know a good technique and here it is! Awesome!

[@thanassisfournarakos9696]

Great tutorial. Very simple, extremely effective! Thanassis Fournarakos, (retired in 2011, born in 1946 )ProPhotographer, Athens, Greece. Thank you Aaron.

[@ahmed_elalfy]

Brilliant Tip! I have been using the lighten Stamp tool but always used a new layer. Thanks Aaron and Phlearn.

[@cod3talk3r]

I'm Phlearnalmaniac, I saw I lot of tutorials of different "photoshop masters", but never like the way you make Photoshop looks so easy.

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

Hey Aaron, just wanted thank you for your help. I've soaked up a couple dozen of these, at least. EXCELLENT tutorials, and your overall color/artist/composition chops are deep, my man! My work is better thanks to you!

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

I'll share a couple of tips in exchange! I nearly always use frequency separation on portraits so I can deal with tone without botching up detail. If you're dealing with super craggy wrinkles, often the "line" of the wrinkle can be retouched on the HiFreq layer, leaving most of it untouched (or partially mitigated) on the LoFreq layer. Your method is probably faster, but if you're already frequency separated, the method I describe gives similar results. And...I've recently been using noise reduction | dust and scratches to create frequency separations instead of gaussian blur. Check it out sometime! You still get the same basic blur effect, but it prevents high contrast edges from "halo-ing" if you need a higher level of blur in the lo-freq layer. Cheers to you!!

[@YNGraphicDesign]

Nice! I like the second version a lot better for older people. I always use the first but in young people. I phlearn something new! Thanks a lot for your time!

[@gaylyns]

BTW, you are magnificent! I've learned SO much and have joined your website! Thanks!

[@SAM1057368]

Thanks a lot man. That was very simple and effective at the same time!!!

[@gaiaarmellin]

Hi @Phlearn guys! I love all your tutorials, straight to the point and perfect for every occasion :) Thank You for all your work!!! I remembered you had an episode were you turned a light-colored dress into darker fabric (black, if I remember correctly) and it was amazing because the highlights were saved and the dress looked perfect. well, I cannot find it anymore, and I watched a whole bunch of videos just to find that one - no success. Could you please link it underneath? And next time, I'll save them! Thanks again, keep on rocking!

[@Vividvisualsolutions]

Awesome! Just what I needed for the project I am working on.

[@pauladroddy709]

Love the second method! Adding that to what I teach.

[@luvsicily]

I just started watching your photoshop videos for only 3 days and I have learned so much. Thank You !

[@ayeshajadoon3600]

Which app he uses

[@luismocano]

Thank you to you and the team for another Great Video. I love your approach, refreshing and natural connection to your audience. I am new in Photography and Photoshop. A lot of people like me start with Elements instead of the full version. Would you consider addressing that audience in few chapters? Also it would be good to provide feedback about the differences between PS full perpetual licenses Vs Cloud monthly "rent". Thx again and keep releasing great tutorials

[@Ho_ten]

Love your work!

[@bridgettwelch9857]

Best way I’ve learned! Thank you!

[@desk0z]

Great tip, I really enjoy the tip. Thanks a lot.

[@ramesh934]

Hi Aaron, Its very useful tips to use stamp tool in another way.Thanks you very much...

[@Argyll9846]

This is an interesting technique that I've used before and it's well worth knowing about. Today I use Perfect PhotoSuite (Perfect Portrait module) and it does a great job on wrinkles too, but if eople don't want to buy it, or can't afford the software, the technique you show is definitely the way to go. I love the outtakes and they always give me a good laugh - the Subscribe video at the end is terrific!

[@leciasinclair7091]

Thank you! Works like a dream and quick.

[@susanrhodes691]

Great tutorial! I think I almost understand the concept!

[@rxlvnd3397]

Thanks for the help mate!

[@westsidejewellery]

Hi Aaron, thanks so much for all your tutorials, both free and paid. I've been learning heaps, and that's an understatement. I got a question though. There're lots of tutorials that teaches us how to make a person look younger, but I can't find anything that makes a face look older. I got a concept about why I need it, but can't make it happen. Could you help? big thanks!

[@Flyers8810]

You can use an empty layer with the clone stamp tool in "lighten" mode. Just change the new empty layers blend mode to lighten and also use the brush in lighten mode. Helps to keep your file size down in that you don't have to duplicate the entire background layer.

[@prestonlhouse]

Outstanding Instructor!

[@melirn7280]

DAMN you're good! Great teaching ability. Thank you for all the hard hours and time spent with us.

[@AbdelElAsrivisuals]

As always, great tutorial! Could you explain when to use the brush's blending modes instead of the layer blending modes? Anyway, Thank you for all you're doing. Cheers

[@Danny_Fernandes]

Hi Aaron love the videos :) Can you make a video on Dodge and burn for example like sculpting the body and face using dodge and burn effects and other methods. Thanks Danny From Toronto

[@psianipar]

i always use the patch tools before. but now i know how. thanks aaron

[@caseysykes5273]

Thanks dude! This helps a lot.

[@sk8trsurfr]

Nice demo!

[@fredhandy2063]

Great video! Very informative!

[@Adiact210583]

Thanx bro!!! now i can get a really really realistic photos. thumbs up

[@Gazz_R]

Thanks Aaron.

[@KarpisMaksudian]

Excellent tutorial, Thank you

[@andrewgerardphotography]

wonderful technique for a quickie!

[@daveyakley6318]

Thanks ... you explained this well!

[@ccc-yg4oq]

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH! VERY HELPFUL!

[@RM011908]

Awesome job Aaron. Just wondering, if you have any plans to do some tutorials on forest glow, fog and mist deep in the woods. Fall is going to be here pretty soon and I thought this would be cool if you can show how you enhance the effects. Thanks.

[@Toolfam1]

Excellent info, and fun! For those of us who have left photoshop elements behind, and upgraded to photoshop.... I'd love to see an episode where you duplicate all the "automatic" features that come with elements, but not with photoshop. For example: Repairing a pet's green eye reflection from a flash. Thanks.

[@BilianaBiBiShiBiBiShaN1111]

super Aaron! Thanks !!!

[@dleivam]

awesome.. my mom always ask me to remove her wrinkles, and now thanks to you have a better way to do it. thanks

[@randycampbell5645]

Great!! my just finishing my first year in new media web design thanks! God bless

[@bolt339]

Good stuff, i agree, the greatly reduced wrinkles looks much more realistic.

[@AaronGRandall]

If you use the first method for removal, you can add noise grain at 3 or 4 and then decrease the opacity to lighten the wrinkles while adding a bit of texture as well, which makes it look very natural. :)

[@linhchau08]

great and clear, thanks! instruction

[@mickelodiansurname9578]

You sir, clearly know more than how photoshop works, you know how to work photoshop!

[@Aprendizzz2009]

Nice trick... I like it!!! Thanks!!!

[@JohnnyGNV]

Very interesting to watch - I do this, but am not nearly as proficient as you are. I agree, skin-smoothing techniques and air brushing can be overdone, and I have been guilty of doing that. Hard to accept getting older (well, for some of us) so it's hard to resist the impulse to "keep going" as opposed to a more subtle change. Thank you for sharing your expertise and I plan to watch again.

[@dangrandmaison7877]

Hi Howard....You are the best. One thing on the wrinkle removal with the Lighten tool....you used it at 100% opacity which is fine but tell the viewers if they lower the opacity AFTER the removal the wrinkles will come back to where it might look more natural, rather than total removal.

[@BoredPandaNomNom]

Thank you for this!

[@speel1959]

Thanks as always Aaron...:D

[@CaptainDanger99]

Love your Tutorials man, learning heaps. There's one thing I've wanted to know is how some photographers get their professional looking car photographs with the cartoon kind of look?

[@m.j.johnston]

Anything on removing particular colors in mixed light situations would be great. I just had to guess my way through removing blue window light from a warm tungsten lit portrait on a white sweep. Thanks for a great series.

[@JMHSPhoto]

Aaron. Would love to see a tutorial about composites shadows. Adding the shadow to a variety of different images and applications in a variety of photos. And, getting the overall color to 'match it' to see the overall images. Thanks for this tut.. I've been using this particular method for some time now.

[@tequilaloca]

Hi Aaron, Great tutorial as always. I just started following you about 2 months ago, I already have learned so much watching your videos. I actually recently started a job at a cosmetics company and naturally I do lots more retouching.... Your videos have been life savers. Anyway, can the second method be used for anything else? Like reducing acne scaring or keeping some of the texture on skin? Thanks! 👍

[@dagobertojorge1603]

I love your videos and in the way you explain every step. So clear and so to the point..Congratulation, but I have problem to follow you and probably many people too ....Let me be clear, when you ask to use a tool o any step why don't you show in the space in the button where is the tool and what you do to get it. Sometimes I want to get some note and I can't because I don't follow what you are doing but if I see where you went I don't have to write....Thanks for listening and hope you keep this great job.

[@katreenaconnell572]

This video just changed my life!!

[@musclesboi1435]

Hey Aaron, thanks for the all work you have done! really nice job, im just wondering, im really getting better in photoshop but i wanna get it to the top.. so any advise will be really helpful :D

[@Danyk103]

Hello aaron! I love the channel. Once i started watching one video i cant stop hahaha... All the techniques are awesome and they really helped me! Can you make a video explaining how to retouch muscles, like adding shadows on the abs and stuff like that! Thank you! Best wishes from argentina

[@milanvictor6921]

Grreat! Thank you!

[@blw1995]

Could you do a video on editing folds and creases in clothing? This video was somewhat helpful but I am still looking for more insight! Thanks! You guys are great!

[@darkwoodstudio2355]

What a nice attitude. I like when you laugh while explaing it :D hilarious. You are great. Thanks

[@alisasavochkina8588]

Great and easy technic! ( As always ;-) ) Actually, you can use clone stamp on a new empty layer, just change layer mode to Lighten. And it's a better way 'cause you can lower the opacity of this layer

[@TheHighPriestess_888]

Looks like awesome! 😊👍😀

[@diamantevazquez2325]

you just gained another subscribed thanks 😌

[@jurenapavel]

Great tip! Thanks :)

[@baryafe]

You make my day better!!! after school! I want to be a Graphic Designer and succeed like you

[@baryafe]

***** your welcome! Thank you !~

[@nipunfernando7343]

Hey AARON..you are an amazing..!!! thanks for all the tutorials..keep it up..:-D

[@Robertobinetti70]

Thanks great work

[@cloudious22]

thank you very much! a big big help.. :) :) :)

[@waikinyip6188]

Excellent video

[@jrcjr65]

Just stumbled on your channel thanks to KZbin. Great tutorials. Thanks!

[@KonIatrou]

Love it, thanks guys :)

[@ondratuma]

You are awesome Aron. BTW : How did you start with photo editing ?

[@pedrosarkissian1937]

Hey Aaron please do not steal my job, I'm plastic surgeon !!!. LOL!! You are a MASTER!!!

[@mateo...]

Somewhat new subscriber here so I'm not certain if you guys have already made a video about it, but a multiple exposure blending tutorial would be fantastic.

[@bobbystewart7329]

Thanks for sharing this easy technique.

[@bobbystewart7329]

And you can reduce the opacity of the layer to make it even more realistic.

[@TheDangalman]

My mom would be very happy! Not kidding! No matter how strong the light is there still are wrinkles in her eyes. Thanks again! :)

[@metteforsethlund4708]

Excellent video!

[@angelherg1997]

Oh, Aaron, by the way, amazing as always!

[@angelherg1997]

***** When is the next Phlearn sale? Cause Im in high school so i dont work and I only have $20 to spend on one of your pro tuts... I cant wait to watch the retouching tut. Keep it up guys!!!

[@bodylover100]

My proposition of an episode that I would LOVE to see you performing, is a photography of a person covering his/her mouth with his/her hand, however with a photoshop technique, we still have the illusion of his/her mouth screaming off through his hand.

[@Fatherrdiff]

Thank you!

[@naifaldewli5245]

Thank you.. It works!!

[@mr.knight8967]

Now a day i watch this, After you uploading 6 year latter, But still it look like it made just day before. That's is your skills.. I hope you make some more amazing videos. Thank you sir.

[@solekennis-klyczek5727]

You're the best!