It's the New Year and the middle of winter with harsh weather conditions in some regions. So, it's the perfect time to think about skincare - how to protect and how to improve it. All my friends and family know that I'm a bit obsessive about skincare, and have been diligently taking care of my skin since I was about 16. I get it from my mother, who although not a big clothes horse, has always been religious about her skincare routine and yes, passed it onto me.

My Esthetician is the celebrity skincare goddess Mamie McDonald, owner of Skin by Mamie. Going to Mamie regularly for the past couple of years for custom facials, that include mild micro-dermabrasion and oxygenation, she has elevated my skin from very good to amazing.

Mamie graciously agreed to be interviewed for My Perfect World and we had an illuminating conversation. Here's everything you need to know to survive winter and get skin ready.

Mamie: I am so blessed to be able to treat an incredibly diverse clientele from entertainers to athletes. To be honest, it took years of focused study and practice of both male, female and teems of people of all ages. This ranges from the lightest skin, to the most ebony.

My guests include Cicely Tyson, Jennifer Holiday, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance, Jane Krakowski, Marsha Hunt, (Victoria's secret) Ashley Graham ( curvy girl model), Jay-Z, Sean (Puffy) Combs, Iman, James Taylor, Kerry Washington, Nia Long, Queen Latifah (Dana Owens), Victor Cruz, Cee Cee Sabatia and Amar'e Stoudemire, to name just a few.

How did you become a facialist - is that the correct term to use?

Some people say facialist, but I prefer Esthetician. I started as a make-up artist, then, on my first photo shoot, one of the models I was working on was having a serious breakout as I was applying her make-up. I was horrified, and had no idea how to resolve this huge problem. The light went on in my head, and I thought " I really need to know what the skin needs as far as care and maintenance before we cover it up".

What is your personal philosophy regarding skincare?

I have many, as it differs from person to person due to lifestyle, air travel, age, and medications.

The most simplistic, is to wash your face, twice daily. Apply a serum twice daily for your specific skin concern after you cleanse. Mask every four days, again for your specific skin type.

Exfoliate once a week during the winter months, and twice a week during the summer months.

I don't believe in toners, so you can leave that out of your regimen. Use your moisturizer after you apply your serum, then sunblock.

Most importantly, have a facial treatment every 4 to 6 weeks for the most beautiful, healthy glowing skin. Treatments also aid in preventing premature aging.

What would you recommend are the most important things to maintaining great skin and which are the 3 must-have products?

Facials, massages, eating well and exercise are the most important tools in life to ensure optimum skincare. Having a skincare regimen is also the best way to fight dull dehydrated skin, and keep it soft and supple. I recommend the 3 most important products in your must-have skincare are serums, exfoliants and masks. From my line, my favorite Serum is the Oxygen Plasma.

Which wonder products do you have for anti-aging?

Oxygen Plasma, Apple Stem Cell Illuminating Creme. Fibroblast Growth Factor Serum, which targets age related degradation, stimulating collagen, with vitaminC and hylauronic acid.

How important is SPF protection for black skincare

The more melanin, the more protection is needed from harmful UVA/UVB sun rays. Having more melanin does help a little, however, the old saying " Black don't crack" is nonsense. People of color can and will develop skin cancers from the sun. Black does crack, just differently from our Caucasian Sisters and Brothers.

How often should we visit a Esthetician to keep our skin in tip-top condition, particularly during the winter?

Every 4 to six weeks.

What’s the difference between your facials for men and women?

Except for the male hormones which make the facial skin have more facial hair, and a bit tougher from shaving, also the pores tend to be a bit larger. However, they too, need proper skin care, and facials.

Do people from different ethnic backgrounds have particular skin issues to deal with? For instance does caucasion skin tend to be oilier, or does black skin tend to be more sensitive to products containing alcohol?

Skin of every race and ethnicity requires different treatments, due to the culture of their food groupings, or weather conditions of their regions. But, I look at it like this, when you rent a car, and you put in the key, you figure out how to drive it!

Thanks Mamie...!