How To Remove Blemishes in GIMP {Solved}

It’s the day you’ve been waiting for… photo day! You crawl out of bed, make it to the bathroom, and you’re shocked at what you see in the mirror. A big ‘ole pimple on the end of your nose!

No worries, in today’s GIMP tutorial, I’ll show you how to remove that pimple and other facial blemishes… quickly and easily. You have two ways to discover how this is done. Either follow the step-by-step instructions below or watch the Youtube video above…

…if you’re ready… let’s do it!

Step 1: Download & Open the Image In GIMP

To practice with the same photo that I’m using throughout this GIMP tutorial, download it from here. Once downloaded, open the picture in GIMP, and we’ll get starting on removing the blemishes.

Step 2: Edit Non-Destructively In GIMP

This step aims to apply the editing and removal of the blemishes on a separate layer. That way, if you make a mistake or over-edit, you can always go back to the original to start over.

Let’s duplicate the original photo layer by clicking on the Duplicate icon at the layer panel’s bottom. Rename this layer “Blemishes Edit.”

Step 3: Remove the Blemishes In GIMP

The key to removing blemishes is using the correct tool. In this case, we will use the Healing tool to remove them. I’ve covered the Healing tool in more detail with this editing tutorial. If you’re transitioning from Photoshop, it works similarly.

Activate the Healing tool either by grabbing it from the toolbox or use the keyboard shortcut “H.” Now, follow these steps…

Make sure the "Blemishes Edit" layer is selected.
Resize your brush so it's slightly larger than the blemish you'd like to retouch.
Sample an area around the blemishes by holding down your Ctrl key and clicking there.
Now, paint over the blemishes, and they will magically disappear!

Make sure to resample a new area when moving onto the next blemish. This will ensure the texture is not coming from the previous location. This is vital when editing something on the cheek and moving to the nose. Both locations will have a different texture and brightness!

Pro Tips For the Best Results

Here are a few tips for removing pimples, scars, scabs, etc., for natural-looking results…

Sample areas that have a similar texture as the blemish. Sometimes a defect will have a different texture (and or brightness) above and below it. Sample and apply half from one side. Then sample + apply from the opposite side.
Resample new areas for larger blemishes. This will help blend in the texture of the skin from more than one place.
Don't over-edit by creating smooth skin. This will create a plastic look and will look unnatural.
Lower the Opacity of the brush to gradually build up the edit.
Suppose you have a Wacom Tablet or something similar. In that case, you may find you'll get better results by adjusting the pen's pressure when applied.
Use a soft-edged brush vs. a hard one—the softer, the better… for people.
If a pimple or other blemish is close to a hard edge with differing contrast, switch to the Clone tool.
Have a scar to remove? If possible, try changing the angle of the brush to match the scar to quickly remove it.

What's Next?

I’d love to see your final edit for this photo or any image you’ve retouched! Post your revision for my review and show off your new skills join our private Facebook group. It’s the friendliest group on this side of the Galaxy. And a great place to learn, share and grow as an artist.

Looking for more {advanced} types of editing tutorials? Cool! I have you covered with some free ones here and some premium classes here.

If you’ve ever wondered how to whiten teeth in GIMP, check this out. Or how to swap backgrounds with this tutorial.

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