One thing that helps this render's realism: desaturation. This can be done while texturing or in the dreaded Postwork. This is an extreme version, but give it a try. Dig out a few renders, take them into PS or PSP or the Gimp, and try decreasing the Saturation levels.

I see no obvious SSS in this. What I do see is exceptional lighting skills, and restraint used in specularity.

Lovely render. Who's work is this?