So many of these examples are about TV and film though.
And while Instagram lets you do that kind of smoothing, it's virtually never done on TV and film except as very explicit (and very expensive) VFX. Because it obviously doesn't work to do cheaply in HD on somebody in motion.
Contrast isn't the answer either. Modern high-definition TV shows highlight wrinkles and skin texture more than film ever did (digital cameras simply resolve more detail). And so TV and filmmakers cover them up today exactly the same as they did in the 70's: with makeup.
And while Instagram lets you do that kind of smoothing, it's virtually never done on TV and film except as very explicit (and very expensive) VFX. Because it obviously doesn't work to do cheaply in HD on somebody in motion.
Contrast isn't the answer either. Modern high-definition TV shows highlight wrinkles and skin texture more than film ever did (digital cameras simply resolve more detail). And so TV and filmmakers cover them up today exactly the same as they did in the 70's: with makeup.