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Step 4

Select the Surface Blur layer and choose Filter > Blur > Surface Blur. This filter blurs the image but unlike the Gaussian Blur filter, Surface Blur protects the edges. In the Surface Blur tool, adjust the settings so that the skin texture is blurred but without losing the edge. The best place to look at while doing this is the eye.

Here is a 100% crop of the image after applying the surface blur with the High Pass layer hidden. Notice that fine details such as hair is still quite visible and sharp.

Step 5

Select the High Pass layer and choose Filter > Other > High Pass. The High Pass filter is exactly the opposite of the gaussian blur filter. Instead of blurring the details, it creates an image of the edge details. In the High Pass filter, set the Radius to 3 pixels then click OK. You should now have a gray image with an embossed effect of the outlines in the image.

Step 6

Change the blending mode of the High Pass layer to Linear Light. This will make the layer blend into the Surface Blur layer.

You should now get a very sharp image with plenty of skin texture. It looks overly sharpened but in the next steps, we'll reduce the effect to make the skin look more natural.