3 Skin Retouching Software: AI Versus Traditional Tools

Edited by Ava Wilson Oct 11, 2025 Photo Retouch

How many hours or days do you spend retouching a single photo? I guess it’s too much. Skin retouching is one of the most time-consuming tasks in photo editing, mainly when done manually. Fortunately, skin retouching can now be done in two different ways: traditional methods and AI-powered software. This post will compare both traditional and AI-powered Skin Retouching software. This way, you can understand their strengths, weaknesses, and the situations where each works best. Our goal is to help you select the ideal software that meets your specific needs.

Part 1. Picwand AI Skin Retouch

Best For: Fast and easy skin retouching without technical expertise.

Picwand AI Skin Retouch is a one-click AI retouching software fully accessible in any modern browser. It utilizes the latest AI skin retouching technology, powered by high-frequency layering. It can remove imperfections like blemishes, acne, and wrinkles without making the skin look plastic. In addition to refining your facial features, it can also smooth the skin, whiten teeth, and correct discoloration. Due to its one-click feature, it requires no manual editing to achieve a smooth, flawless appearance.

Why Choose Picwand AI Skin Retouch:

• Retouching is incredibly fast, taking only 3 to 5 seconds per image.

• Produces realistic results, preserving skin textures and other fine details.

• Corrects photo discoloration, addressing issues like uneven skin tone and redness.

• Smooths skin and removes blemishes, freckles, and wrinkles without manual editing.

What We Like:

• It does not overpower skin retouching.

• It fixes discoloration beyond retouching skin.

• It is fully automated, requiring no editing expertise.

What We Don’t Like:

• It is a credit-based AI photo retouching software.

Step 1: On your browser, access the official Picwand AI Skin Retouch page through the provided link. On the homepage, click Upload a Photo and select the photo you want to retouch. Ensure it is clearly visible with no filter applied for the best results.

Step 2: After you have added the image, the AI engine will start processing it. In just a few seconds, it will preview the image with smooth skin, removed blemishes, and enhanced quality. You can use the before-and-after slider to see the result and compare the changes applied.

Step 3: If you’re happy with the result, click Apply to confirm the changes. Click Download, select your output format, and set your preferred image quality. Lastly, click Download Now to export the retouched photo directly to your local drive.

In addition to skin retouching, Picwand offers additional functions on its website. It features several tools to restore old photos, upscale images, remove objects, and a lot more. As an all-around AI tool, this software is a go-to solution for beginners with zero photo editing skills.

Part 2. Adobe Photoshop

Best For: Professional skin retouching with multiple options.

Adobe Photoshop has already established its name in image editing and manipulation, including skin retouching. It is among the professional and best skin retouching software, offering both manual and automated tools. This includes Neural Filters for instant skin smoothing and the Spot Healing Brush Tool for removing wrinkles. It also includes Frequency Separation, which allows fine adjustments to uneven tones.

Why Choose Adobe Photoshop:

• Remove pimples, scars, wrinkles, or any minor imperfections effectively.

• Features an AI-powered Skin Smoothing tool that automatically softens skin.

• Retouch skin by duplicating pixels from one area and applying them to another.

• Smooth, uneven tones or discoloration on the lower layer without compromising skin texture.

What We Like:

• It allows editing on separate layers.

• It offers multiple skin retouching methods.

• It can remove wrinkles and other signs of aging.

What We Don’t Like:

• It requires time and skill to master.

• It is only available through subscription.

Part 3. Aftershoot

Best For: Processing large batches of photos.

Aftershoot is a newer AI-powered photo retouching software designed especially for professional photographers. This face enhancer app detects facial features, identifies blemishes, and applies corrections like acne removal, wrinkle reduction, and tone enhancement. This tool applies skin retouching in minutes while maintaining a natural look. Its AI understands the difference between skin textures and other elements, ensuring the results don’t appear overly processed.

Why Choose Aftershoot:

• Smooth skin on both faces and bodies without overdoing it.

• Includes sliders for softening forehead lines, smile lines, under-eye bags, and more.

• Automatically detects imperfections and attempts to regenerate the affected area.

• Supports face and eye enhancements, including teeth whitening and eye brightening.

What We Like:

• It offers a comprehensive retouching toolkit.

• It excels at processing images simultaneously.

• It preserves skin texture, freckles, and natural tones.

What We Don’t Like:

• Its AI Retouching free access is only until September 2025.

• It is still in early release, so some features are not yet fully built.

Part 4. Traditional Vs. AI Skin Retouch

Level of Control

Traditional photography retouching software gives you precise, pixel-level control. You can decide exactly what to remove, smooth, or highlight. AI skin retouching, by contrast, relies on automation. Typically, it utilizes sliders and presets that quickly apply changes to the entire image.

Speed and Efficiency

In terms of speed, AI is far faster than traditional software. AI-powered skin retouching tools can process an image in seconds, or even batch retouch photos. Meanwhile, traditional retouching is slower and more labor-intensive since each correction is done manually.

Editing Expertise

Traditional skin retouching often requires significant skill and practice. Many traditional tools offer powerful tools, but can be intimidating to beginners. On the other hand, AI skin retouching tools are designed with intuitive sliders and automated detection.

Consistency in Results

AI retouching shines here because it applies the same adjustments across all photos. Traditional methods can vary depending on the retoucher’s focus or technique used. However, tradition still allows for more nuanced adjustments when each image needs attention.

Realism Vs Over-Editing

Traditional retouching, when done skillfully, retains natural skin texture, making edits subtle and realistic. However, if overdone, it can result in artificial or plastic-like effects. AI photo retouch software often aims for a natural look but may sometimes oversmooth skin automatically.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you choose traditional or AI-powered skin retouching software depends on your needs. Additionally, consider your skill level and the amount of time you’re willing to dedicate. Both approaches have their value, but what truly matters is finding the one that offers efficiency and professional results. If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and beginner-friendly way, Picwand AI Skin Retouch is the perfect choice. It produces natural-looking results in seconds, saving you time and effort while maintaining the quality of your photos.