Asian Beauty Heads West

Our skin takes a beating in summertime so maybe it's time for a little pampering. Pump up your natural glow by drinking in nutrients found in natural eastern botanicals. Bamboo has an amazing ability to carry high levels of water to the skin. It also has an equally amazing ability to dissipate the "glue" that holds on to dead skin cells. The Healing Garden Skin Organics reFine Microdermabrasion Treatment helps even out skin tone ($13.95, healinggarden.com or at local drugstores or mass retailers)

Pond's Smooth Perfection Complexion Perfecting Moisturizer ($13 at drugstores) also contains bamboo.

Ginseng helps maintain elasticity, says Barbara Close, creator of Naturopathica skin care. It's in Naturopathica Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisture Treatment, which tightens pores and firms your complexion as it hydrates. ($48; naturopathica.com)

Jason Wild Yam Hand & Body Therapy contains ginseng, aloe, licorice and yam to relieve tension as it conditions. ($9; jason-natural.com)

Try giving your skin a cultural awakening with these hot asian ingredients now available in beauty jars, and enjoy your renewed glow!