It's not 'skinning' tutorials you need really, just tutorials on how to do certain things in Photoshop. Once you know the basics you should be well away.
And yes, I would highly recommend learning to use the pen tool.
i know how to use it...but the whole thickness thing, i end up just emulating the brush (i use gimp btw)
also making lines that get wider, or fade out, i just cant do that...there is an option to fade out but no matter what ido it only lasts like a few pixyls
This is what metallic effect should look like on the skin. The noise it not as important, as the difference in brightness from various view angles.
Especially note the blue side skirts.