Dechringing

Dechringing is a term used within certain online communities, particularly those focused on digital art and character design, to describe the process of removing or significantly altering skin textures or imperfections on a digital image. This can include smoothing out skin, eliminating blemishes like acne or wrinkles, and generally creating a more idealized or "perfected" appearance. The term is often used in a somewhat informal or critical context, implying an artificial or unnatural alteration of an image.

The practice of dechringing is common in digital retouching, where artists and designers may aim to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a subject. This can be achieved using various digital editing software and techniques, such as airbrushing, healing brushes, and frequency separation. While some view dechringing as a standard tool for professional image manipulation, others criticize it for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and contributing to a distorted perception of reality. The extent to which dechringing is applied can vary widely, from subtle smoothing to a complete erasure of natural skin features. The term itself highlights a perceived loss of natural texture and character.