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Face Pro mode is likely the culprit. Start with Auto mode for natural results. Save Face Pro for severe facial damage only.
I restored a scratched 1970s photo of my parents. The AI did its job but my parents faces looked like they had been through a beauty filter. Too smooth. The photo went from vintage to uncanny valley in 15 seconds.
AI photo restoration has two modes. Auto handles scratches and dust. Face Pro adds GFPGAN face enhancement. I used Face Pro on a photo that only needed Auto.
Face Pro aggressively reconstructs facial features. On a photo with moderate damage, this goes too far. Counter-intuitive: start with Auto mode. Only use Face Pro if Auto still has visibly damaged faces. It is a targeted tool for severe facial damage, not a general enhancement filter.
Can you recognize the person and see their features clearly? Auto is enough. Are faces severely blurred or scratched across? Face Pro. Try Auto first for natural results. The photo restorer costs 5 credits.