Mastering the skill of changing skin color in Photoshop allows you to create natural-looking edits that can correct imperfections, match skin tones, or even change the mood of a photograph.
In this guide, we’ll show you the steps on how to get this done and provide some tips for a natural look.
Table of Contents
Methods To Change Color of Skin Using Photoshop
You can change the skin color of your pictures in two ways while using Adobe Photoshop.
Method 1: Selective Color Adjustment Layer
The Selective Color Adjustment layer method allows you to select the Red, Yellow, or Blue color channel and configure the Yellow, Magenta, Black, and Cyan sliders to get the desired skin tone. However, it also affects the background objects and changes their color.
Method 2: Selection Tool and Adjustment Layers
The Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop helps you select the skin area in the picture and use the Adjustment Layers to achieve different skin tones. But if you don’t make the correct selection, it may result in an unnatural skin tone.
Method 3: Layer Masks and Adjustment Layers
This is a more advanced technique where you have to apply adjustment layers and layer masks to change the skin tone from dark to light or vice versa. The only thing is that this method is quite complex and needs advanced editing skills for the ideal look.
Steps on How To Change Skin Color in Photoshop
Let’s go through the step-by-step on changing skin color using the Selection and Black & White Adjustment layer in Photoshop:
Step 1: Import The Image
After launching Photoshop, click Open, and select your photo to import it.
Right-click the background (image) layer in the Layers panel, choose Duplicate layer, type in Skin in the name field, and click OK.
Step 2: Make a Selection
Click the Quick Selection Tool in the left sidebar, select Add to Selection, and make a selection on only the skin area. You can remove unwanted areas using the Subtract from Selection brush.
Now, click Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer (layers panel) and choose Black & White.
Drag the slider below Reds and Yellows to darken or lighten the skin.
Step 3: Fine Tune The Skin
If you’ve missed some skin areas, click Brush Tool (left sidebar), choose a soft round brush, and change its color to white.
After that, paint the missed area using the brush and change the blending mode to Multiply.
Step 4: Create Selective Color Adjustment Layer
Open the Layers panel, select Create a New Fill or Adjustment Layer, and choose Selective Color.
Set the Color Channel to Red and drag the slider under Cyan, Magenta, and Black to achieve the right color tone.
After that, click Create a New Fill or Adjustment Layer again and select Curves.
Adjust the Black color to create a contrast.
Now, press ALT and drag the mask, drag the Black & White mask over the Selective Color, and click Yes.
Press Shift, choose the Adjustment layers and press CTRL/CMD+G to group them. Then, play around with their opacity to adjust the skin color further.
Step 5: Export The Image
Click File, choose Export, and select Export As.
Select the format you like, click Export, and choose the folder where you want to save the image.
Tips and Tricks
Zoom In for Detailed Work
Always zoom in on the image from 100% to 400% when working with the brush to select the skin area. Doing so will make sure you don’t miss any small details.
Try Different Selections With the Lasso Tool
If the Quick Selection Tool covers too much, use the Lasso Tool to select areas manually. This gives you better control, especially in hard-to-reach spots around the ears or fingers.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Overusing The Curve
Pushing the Black curve too far can make the skin look dark and even affect the hair, dress, and background color. So, always start with small, slow adjustments to avoid changing areas you don’t want to.
Skipping Opacity Adjustments
If you don’t adjust the opacity of the Adjustment layers, your subject will look too dark or bright. It’s best to lower it down to get a more natural look.
FAQs
Why Should I Use the Selection Tool First?
The Quick Selection Tool helps you quickly select the skin area so your adjustments don’t apply to other parts of the image, like clothes or the background.
What if the Changes Affect Non-Skin Areas Like Hair or Eyes?
Select the Brush Tool, choose a soft brush, and set its color to Black. Then, use it to remove the effects from areas you don’t want to change, such as hair, lips, or eyes.
Conclusion
To sum up, you’ve learned how to change skin color in Photoshop from light to dark or vice versa using the Quick Selection Tool and Adjustment Layers method.
Remember, the only way to get it right is with practice and giving extreme attention to detail.
