5 Selfies That Mattered

On National Selfie Day, it’s easy to dismiss selfies as nothing more than further proof of 21st century vanity. And sure, there have been some ridiculous things people have done in pursuit of the perfect selfie. We’ve invented special equipment, we’ve trekked across the world, and some people have even died for the art of the selfie.

But there are times where people use the selfie to further messages of body positivity and activism. And for that, we say, keep snapping away. Here are some of our all-time favorite selfies with a cause.

1. Lorde’s Makeup-Free Selfie

It was refreshing to know that superstar Lorde of the on-point lipstick game struggles with acne like the rest of us mere mortals. Thanks for keeping it real!

2. Obama’s trek with Bear Grylls

Although it’s fun to speculate whether the President drank urine while hiking with Grylls, the trip actually documented POTUS surveying Alaska for signs of climate change.

3. Amber Smith documenting her panic attack

Smith’s raw before-and-after selfies showing the physical effects of panic attacks went viral.

4. Daisy Ridley discussing her struggle with endometreosis

The Force Awakens star showed some vulnerability when talking about her struggle with endometriosis, and urged her followers to value their health.

5. Christi Salcedo’s selfie of her breast cancer scars

The breast cancer survivor’s selfie showed millions what her mastectomy scars look like—and proved that not all women look the same.