1,4-dioxane: This carcinogen is found in many cosmetics as a by-product of other chemical combinations. Products that use Ethoxylated surfactants as foaming agents or emulsifiers often produce 1,4-doixane in manufacturing process. This chemical is considered toxic if it is inhaled, absorbed through skin or ingested.

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): This drying agent is a common ingredient in many cosmetic products. When used directly on skin, it strips off outer most protective layer, exposing body to bacteria, fungus, molds, and other toxins. It is derived from petroleum and may promote brown spots or premature aging.

Anionic Surfactants: surfactants are used in about 90% of foaming personal care products. They are also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, and as engine degreasers. Common anionic surfactants include: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen, TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate, TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine, Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, and Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate. Avoid all of these ingredients if they are on label.

Cationic Surfactants: These surfactants are commonly used in hair conditioning products as they have anti-static properties. However, they are synthetic, irritating to hair follicles, and toxic. Long-term use can cause hair to become dry and brittle. Common cationic surfactants include Stearalkonium chloride, Benzalkonium chloride, Cetrimonium chloride, Cetalkonium chloride, and Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen. Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinone: these two harmful chemicals can be corrosive to eyes and skin. Long term exposure can cause permanent eye damage and third degree burns to skin. They can be fatal if ingested and they can cause damage to mucous membranes of lungs if inhaled.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine): These chemicals are often used in personal care cleansers to adjust pH of formula. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, dryness, and toxicity if used over long periods. These known carcinogens are already restricted in Europe but they may still be found in formulas of American and Asian cosmetics.

Diazolidinyl urea and DMDM Hydantoin: These chemicals contain formaldehyde, a toxic carcinogen, and it can cause dermatitis, burning, irritation of mucous membranes, inflammation, and watering of eyes.

Ethoxylated surfactants: These surfactants are commonly used in cosmetic formulas as foaming agents, emulsifiers, and humectants. They may be listed on ingredient label as "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol." These chemicals form 1,4-dioxane (a known carcinogen) as a byproduct in manufacturing process.

FD&C Color Pigments: These synthetic color pigments are made from coal tar. They contain heavy metal salts that leave toxic byproducts on skin. These chemicals have been tested on animals and found to cause cancer.

Formaldehyde: This is another cancer causing agent that is commonly found in commercial make-up products. It can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and chronic fatigue.

What Are The Symptoms Of An Anxiety Attack? An anxiety attack is often mistaken for a heart attack as symptoms are very similar. Increased heart and breathing rates, dry mouth, chest pains, loss of touch with reality, light-headedness, nausea, numbness or tingling in extremities, sweating, and diarrhea are common symptoms of an anxiety attack.

What Causes Anxiety Attacks? Anxiety attacks may be triggered by an illness or a stressful situation, or they may come on unexpectedly. The memory of a stressful event that occurred in past can also cause an anxiety attack.

When To Get Help For Anxiety Attacks Anxiety attacks can be very distressing and debilitating. Some sufferers have found supplements or home care techniques that allow them to manage anxiety attacks before they become a problem. But you may need to seek help of a natural health care professional or licensed therapist if your anxiety attacks are interrupting your daily activities and preventing you from leading a normal life. Seek professional help immediately if you experience a sudden anxiety attack that you cannot control, or if you experience chest pain, sweating, difficulty breathing, or pain in your jaw, neck and arm during an attack.

Preventing Anxiety Attacks Exercise: Any cardiovascular exercise that increases your heart rate is a good way to reduce anxiety and stress that may cause an anxiety attack. Walking, swimming, biking, Pilates and aerobics are good choices.

Relaxation: Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation may help to alleviate anxiety and provide tools for controlling symptoms during an anxiety attack.

Avoid Certain Substances: Avoid using substances such as drugs, alcohol, and coffee that can contribute to or aggravate symptoms of anxiety.

Dietary Changes: Many people have found that eating a vegetarian diet can decrease feelings of anxiety. Red meat, in particular, releases stress hormones within body. Whole grains, on other hand, release endorphins that promote a sense of well being.