PP skin smoothing help please

[sdphil]

I have seen before and after portraits and have seen some great techniques like skin smoothing and such to eliminate scars, marks,blemishes, bad complexions and color blotchiness my question is does PS elements have the ability to do this or do I have to buy one of the portrait software ? I would like to have this ability with portraits.
Thanks for any assistance
Phil

[sybren]

The easiest way is to duplicate the photo layer, blur the top layer using a gaussian blur, then mask out the blurred layer to bring back detail.

[asnider3]

i find that surface blur makes for a more natural look than gaussian blur

[Saralonde]

If you are struggling with doing it yourself, there is a free action that can be used with Photoshop Elements called "Coffeeshop Perfect Portraiture". Rita has written it so you can tailor it to fit your needs.

[Raigoki]

i use plugins from Nik Software to even the skin tone... (then layer mask the eyes...)

[sdphil]

Thanks everyone!
Sara, thanks for the link. Question, since I don't have PSE yet is Rita's site a software for PSE or just tutorials ?

Originally Posted by Saralonde

If you are struggling with doing it yourself, there is a free action that can be used with Photoshop Elements called "Coffeeshop Perfect Portraiture". Rita has written it so you can tailor it to fit your needs.