Look: Wyn is happy to skin and bare it.

WHEN the bosses of a skincare company launched a competition to find the most beautiful skin in Britain, they did not imagine a 77-year-old woman would walk away with one of the top prizes.

But Wyn Wilding, from West Kirby, is living proof of the theory that age and beauty can go hand-in-hand.

Because experts who analysed Wyn's skin graded its texture as only ONE percentage point away from perfection.

And they were also amazed how free of either age spots or wrinkles Wyn's complexion is - and by the evenness of her pores.

Wyn, a retired secretary, was delighted to win the Best Skin In Liverpool section of the countrywide competition, organised by the manufacturers Olay.

And she says her victory - and the prize, which includes a luxury break at Champneys health spa - has given her a real boost, especially as her husband Frederick died while they were on holiday in Madeira over Christmas in 2000.

``I have always been aware of the importance of looking after my skin,'' says Wyn, ``but I think some of it is down to luck and good genes.

HOW SHE DOES IT:

WYN says that, in the morning, she washes her face and neck with soap and water, then uses moisturiser.

In the evening, she cleanses with cleansing milk before applying toner. Twice weekly, she applies a Total Effects night cream before bed.

``And my mother, who was half Italian, always had absolutely beautiful skin, which she also took good care of.''

Wyn adds that she tries to eat healthily, too, incorporating a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables into her diet, drinking plenty of water and trying to avoid over-indulgence, especially in dairy foods.

Wyn admits that her skin has always been one of her best features - and says people are amazed when she reveals how old she is and tell her she looks about 60!

``I was still very surprised to win this competition,'' Wyn says. ``When you think of all the pretty young girls there are around, it is very flattering!''

A spokesman for Olay explained that the competition was organised through Boots stores, using a Beauty Imaging System, which gives a print-out of skin condition, assessing texture, wrinkles, pores and age spots.

Wyn's scores were: texture (99%), wrinkles (87%), pores (92%) and age spots (97%). The scores indicated comparisons with women of an equivalent age.