Blurring skin for retouching also removes texture. Frequency Separation edits skin tone and texture on separate layers.
Setup:
1. Duplicate layer twice (Ctrl+J twice)
2. Name layers: “Low Frequency” (bottom) and “High Frequency” (top)
Low Frequency layer (tone/color):
Filter → Blur → Gaussian Blur → 4-6px
High Frequency layer (texture/detail):
Image → Apply Image:
Layer: Low Frequency, Blending: Subtract, Scale: 2, Offset: 128
Change High Frequency blend mode to: Linear Light
Now:
– Paint on Low Frequency = smooth skin tone only
– Clone on High Frequency = move texture only
– Texture stays even when smoothing color!
Industry standard for professional retouching!