Layer mask is turning skin Gray

I have used the same basic skin retouching method for hundreds of pictures. Usually I end up with very nice, natural looking skin.  Today, the same technique is turning the skin gray on any picture I attempt to use it on. I cannot figure out why.  Essentially, I copy the background layer.  I do my spot healing on this layer. When I'm through, I make 3 more layers.  On the first, I use the Median filter. On the second, I use a high pass filter.  Then on the 3rd, I add I layer mask, painting in black, and go over the skin. It is always gray on the mask.  I then go back and reduce the opacity of the high pass and median layers.  Usually I end up with smoother, but natural skin and it's normal color.  Today, every time I attempt to do this, the skin stays a muted gray.  I cannot figure out why.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to what might be different that I'm not noticing?  Thanks. 

Figured it out finally.  For some reason the high pass kept slipping out of overlay mode into normal mode.  Problem solved.

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