Somehow it bothers me when people over photochopped

[Toua]

their portrait photos. The skin/face would look super smooth and pretty much like a blur.. Just doesn't look right to me. 

[zena]

I think that look came from those Vietnamese photo studio photos but overly done.  I haven't seen those for ages!  But, I can definitely understand what you mean.

[kouasupra]

It depends on the look that the photographer is trying to achieve. Different client prefer different looks and skin tone.

[zena]

Or photos that's been dodged and burned and sponged heavily? Where's the inspiration in that?

Maybe they're going for the cold, scary or lonely, uncomfy feel?  I'm a fan of that look.