For centuries, Africans have used what is in their natural environment to treat their body and spirit. Africology is a South African spa and skincare company that creates natural, eco-friendly products and services that draw on that spirit. They have spas at the Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg, the Boardwalk Hotel in PE and products are available at the Zone in Rosebank (JHB), EXEC|Care in Dunkeld (JHB), in Parkhurst (JHB) as well as increasingly around the world.

Started in Australia in the early 2000s, the Movember Foundation draws attention to men’s health, in particular prostate and testicular cancer. In the month of November, men are encouraged to grow moustaches as part of what has become a global awareness and fundraising drive, including in South Africa.

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Research has shown that men are less inclined to go to the doctor than women and, as a result, there are health challenges that could have been dealt with earlier and, therefore, would have less of an impact. Early detection with illness such as prostate and testicular cancer

In the Africology press release, CEO and founder Renchia Droganis is quoted as saying, “While most people are aware of prostate and testicular, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.”

In its quest to raise awareness, Africology has committed to donating a portion of sales of the Africology Aloe Ferox serum and the Skin Hydraiting Oil to the Movember Foundation. The Serum, which retails for R264.00 for a 30ml, is designed to stimulate “collagen and elastin synthesis” and encourage “fibroblast growth and repair.”

I have had the opportunity to use the Hydrating Oil, which is R254 also for a 30ml, and, while it contains a range of oils, including Chamomile, South African geranium, Rosehip, Jojoba, Jasmine, Neroli, Lime, Marula, Aloe, Grapeseed and Frankincense, isn’t too oily, which is my gripe with a lot of oils. Great for treating your face and neck, it is ideal for treating, amongst other things, dryness which can be a problem for some of us.

I haven’t grown a Mo for Movember primarily because I’ve been growing a beard for over a year now but find that the Oil also works with that. It also has a lovely fragrance that feels masculine without being overpowering.

In support of Movember, and Africology’s participation in the cause, I am giving away one Africology Hydrating Oil. To enter, please share a picture of your Mo on Twitter, tagging @AfricologySA and @kojobaffoe and including #Movember or on Instagram tagging @Africology_SA and @kojobaffoe with same hashtag #Movember.

The competition runs until end of November and is restricted to people in South Africa.