OMH Spotlight: After Winning Miss India 2012, Vanya Mishra Was Diagnosed With Teen Cystic Acne Before Going For Miss World

At life’s biggest moments, unexpected challenges often show up. For Vanya Mishra, crowned Miss India 2012, that moment came just before she represented India at Miss World. In an exclusive chat with Onlymyhealth, she opened up about her journey from winning the title for “Most Beautiful Skin” at Miss India to suddenly struggling with teenage cystic acne right before the global stage. Her story is a reminder that even the most glamorous journeys have their tough chapters, and how one handles them makes all the difference.

From Glowing Skin to Sudden Acne Flare-Ups

Looking back, Vanya recalls the sharp contrast between pageant glory and skin struggles. “I recall winning the award for most beautiful skin during the Miss India finale and later on breaking out into teenage cystic acne just before going for Miss World. The sudden lifestyle change, hardcore training, and perhaps gruelling schedules did not sit well,” she shared.

Her Struggles with Cystic Acne - What Is It? 

Teen cystic acne, unlike regular pimples, runs deeper and is harder to manage. For someone preparing for a world stage, it was a heavy blow. But instead of letting it define her, she focused on adapting. According to Dr Sukansha Kulshrestha, Consultant Cosmetologist at the Institute of Facial Aesthetic Medicine (IFAM), Lucknow, “It is a more severe and painful type of acne that goes deeper into the skin than regular pimples. It happens when pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to large, red, and often painful lumps called cysts.”

Unlike typical acne that appears as small whiteheads or blackheads on the surface, cystic acne forms under the skin and can cause lasting scars if not treated properly. During the teenage years, hormone levels, especially androgens, increase, which makes skin glands produce more oil. Dr Kulshrestha further explains that this excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and traps bacteria inside pores, causing inflammation and cyst formation.

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Her Approach to Skincare: Less Is More

 

 

 

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Even after that phase, Vanya admits she never became obsessed with heavy routines. “I am a huge fan of the minimalist outlook when it comes to skincare. I do not layer on a lot, but basic upkeep with cleansing and applying the right products is definitely something I try to do,” shared the former Miss India. 

Here are some of her go-to habits:

• Always washing her face clean, even without makeup.
• Sticking to basics rather than chasing endless products.
• Allowing herself “chill” days where she does nothing at all.

She laughs at how carefree she can be compared to her skincare-obsessed friends. But for her, balance works best.

Lessons From Pageant Days

Beauty pageants come with intense grooming, and Vanya admits those days shaped her awareness. “The amount of ‘getting ready’ we had to do was insane back then. Nowadays, people are getting ready just to grab a coffee thanks to the Instagram effect. But the same has also spread so much information about skincare and makeup routines,” she shared. 

Vanya emphasises that everyone’s skin is unique. What works for one doesn’t work for all. Her biggest lesson? “Makeup, especially more, doesn’t mean better.” To this day, she prefers doing her own makeup for events, keeping it simple and personal.

Vanya Mishra’s Fitness Secret 

• Fitness isn’t about punishment for Vanya, as it’s about joy and variety.
• Yoga and mindful walks keep her grounded.
• Swimming and Pilates add freshness.
• Pickleball and sports bring in a social, fun element.

She explains: “For me, it’s less about intensity and more about consistency and presence. Even 20 minutes of yoga can completely shift how I show up during the day.”

Diet Routine Of Vanya Mishra

Amid travel and busy schedules, she still finds her anchor in home-cooked meals. According to Vanya, “it’s funny, as kids, we often ran away from what our moms cooked, but as adults, we realise it’s actually the biggest luxury.”

She enjoys variety, indulges in local food when travelling, and doesn’t shy away from snacks. Moderation, she says, is key: “Your body has a way of signalling when you’ve overdone it, and I’ve learned to listen to those cues.”

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Conclusion

Vanya Mishra’s story is one of contrasts: radiant skin to cystic acne, pageant perfection to life’s unpredictability. What stands out is her refusal to chase impossible ideals. Instead, she embraces a grounded approach that includes minimal skincare, mindful fitness, home-cooked meals, and small rituals to stay centred. Her journey reminds us that beauty and health aren’t about perfection. They’re about balance, awareness, and being kind to yourself in the process.