Q&A with Maaike Dorsteen from Furrow.nl

Q: Why did you start the blog Furrow.nl?

A: I used to work in television, and I noticed that blogs were increasingly on the rise. I strongly believed that blogs would make way for television. TV is, of course, always there, but in a different way. In my opinion, the time was ripe to take advantage of this by starting my own blog.

Q: Why a blog about wrinkles?

A: I've always been preoccupied with skincare. I believed that if I were to get a wrinkle, I would use Botox. Many people had an opinion about that. Conversations often went in a negative direction when it came to Botox & fillers. Apparently, there's still a taboo against doing it.

If you go to the hairdresser, that's completely normal, but Botox isn't seen as normal. I thought to myself, I'm going to shake things up. I'd love to start a discussion.

Q: How do you get so many followers?

A: Two words: Hard Work. I've been working for three years now to build my blog/business. I find it important to show my personal side to my followers. To be vulnerable. I also want to be an example for people. People need to be able to identify with me. Additionally, there aren't many wrinkle blogs, I'm in a specific niche and therefore stand out more quickly with my blog.

Q: What is your target audience and is it different (men & women)?

A: The target audience is from 25 years old. That's when the first wrinkles appear. Men & women follow my blog, but I can say that it's mainly women who read the articles. Approximately 10% are men.

Q: What makes your blog so successful?

A: I work hard for it, and the blog is active every day. It runs 24 hours a day. Additionally, I'm willing to be vulnerable, and that honesty is recognizable to my followers.

Q: What is your personal stance on cosmetic treatments like Botox?

A: I regularly use Botox for my frown line. I also use Botox for my chin. I feel happy with the result.

Q: What would you never do yourself?

A: A Mommy Makeover. They cut into your belly to remove fat. That's too far for me.

Q: You look great for your age, is that just Botox or other aids?

A: It's the whole package. I exercise 4 times a week, I go to bed early, I don't smoke, and I don't drink. If you maintain all of this, well, then the results should be visible.

Q: Do you see a shift in opinions about Botox, fillers, etc. compared to a few years ago?

A: No, it's still the same. I don't see any change. There's still a taboo surrounding it.

Q: What do you think of Brotox? (Botox for men)

A: Men need to be a bit more careful with Botox. Botox can be tricky. With a man, the negative result is more quickly visible. It looks good on a man, but only when applied sparingly.

Q: What age would you recommend starting Botox?

A: In my opinion, when you get a wrinkle. But also when you naturally feel ready for it.