During the hot-weather months, it can be difficult to maintain a fresh, glowing complexion. Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine believe that skin problems relate mostly to an imbalance of yin (cool, wet, soothing) and yang (hot, dry, spicy), the complementary forces that are within each of us. Rather than trying to control and ease skin symptoms externally, TCM doctors believe they should be treated from within, which is what the following two soups are designed to do.

Besides featuring yin ingredients like cucumber, mint, rose petals, and watermelon rinds, they are served chilled. They also feature neutral ingredients -- ones that are neither yin nor yang -- such as plain yogurt and grains.

According to TCM, this "yin-neutral" combination helps maintain moisture in the skin cells, keeping your skin smooth, firm, and elastic. Serve these soups as an elegant light lunch or as a refreshing first course for dinner.