By Lisa Green Angelina Jolie, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez all use Moroccanoil products, but I didn’t know that when I saw the Moroccanoil exfoliation treatment offered by Lotus Salon & Spa in Pittsfield, Mass. Maybe it’s because I’m itching to go to Morocco, but the name of the product, I admit, reeled me in.

Moroccanoil is the beauty industry sensation that began with the original hair treatment. Its main ingredient is argan oil, which is made from the kernels of argan tree fruit that grows almost exclusively in Morocco. (The company is actually headquartered in Israel.) Argan oil contains a high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin E, and is used to hydrate and moisturize hair and skin. The Moroccanoil line has been extended to include body care products, and the breadth of the line is impressive; almost an entire wall at Lotus is devoted to the pretty (mostly) blue packages. But back to my appointment with the Moroccanoil Body Buff exfoliating body smoother, which promised to polish away dead skin cells, leaving my skin feeling soft and renewed. “It’s not just therapy for your skin," says licensed massage therapist Shaunna Magner, explaining that the body treatments are recommended on a seasonal basis, optimally after a winter of dry skin challenges or following perhaps too much sun in the summer. Many women come in after they’ve had a baby or a hospital stay. Think of it like shedding an old skin. “You feel like you’ve literally got that experience behind you and now not just your skin but your whole self feels revitalized." I’d had no baby or hospital stay, but I had just finished putting out the weekly Rural Intelligence issue and felt justified in treating myself to an hour of renewal. So that’s how I found my way to one of the tranquil spa rooms and in the capable hands of Magner. If you’ve ever tried sugar or salt scrubs, you know they can be, well, a bit rough. “Sugar and salt molecular structures are square, and can tear your skin," says Magner. “But the Fleur D’Oranger Body Buff uses orange peels whose molecular structures are round, so they are kinder to your skin and are more easily absorbed." (Clients can also opt for the Fleur de Rose, infused with round-structured rose petals, which is even gentler than the Fleur d’Oranger, but not as effective if you need a fair amount of sloughing, says Magner.) I’m not a huge fan of massages (too much pressure to relax), but this was different (better). The Body Buff, which has a faint and lovely orange blossom scent, is first massaged into the back, arms, legs and chest. I always love having my back gently scratched, and that’s what the application felt like: just enough pressure and grain to energize the skin. Warm towels come next, to wipe off the scrub, and then another rubdown follows, this time with the Intense Hydrating Treatment. At the end of the session, Magner gave me a report on the condition of my elbows, knees and feet, but there was no pressure to buy any products. I wish I could say I emerged from the treatment looking like Jennifer Lopez. Alas, Moroccanoil isn't that powerful. But it did smooth out my "problem spots," as well as leave me with a desire to return after I put the next issue to bed. Lotus, which is a Moroccanoil-approved partner salon (the company inspected the property and has provided trainings for the stylists and technicians), also offers a Moroccanoil Ultimate Experience, which includes a full massage. All of the spa services include a complimentary infra-red sauna treatment. Moroccanoil Exfoliation Treatment, $105 Moroccanoil Ultimate Experience, $145Lotus Salon & Spa740 Williams St., Pittsfield, MA (413) 344-4429

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