Now for that skin smoothing technique. I have attached a Photoshop action (it’s Photoshop CC 2019 so not sure if it will work with earlier versions) - I’m not giving an explanation of how to install it either as I think Windows and Mac have subtle differences - so you will need to follow the process for your system. But for Elements users, here is the process to follow and if you like record your own action.
1. Open image
2. Duplicate background layer (From the menu bar - Layer/Duplicate Layer) Photoshop shortcut is Control or Command J
3. Invert layer (From menu bar - Image/Adjustments/Invert) Photoshop shortcut is Control or Command I
4. Set layer blend mode to Vivid Light
5. High Pass Filter. (From the menu bar - Filter/Other/High Pass and set it to 24.0 pixels)
6. Gaussian Blur. (From the menu bar - Filter/Blur/Gaussian Blur and set it to 4.0 pixels)
7. Add a black layer mask. (From the menu bar - Layer/Layer Mask/Hide All) Photoshop shortcut is to click the new layer mask icon while holding down Alt or Option.
8. Select the brush tool. Photoshop shortcut is the ‘b’ key
9 You want to paint over the skin areas with white, ON THE LAYER MASK. You can use reduced the opacity of the paint brush, or paint at 100% and then reduce the opacity of the blurry layer to taste.