Council bosses are trying to stop teenagers hanging around street corners - by using special lights that show up their spots.
The special acne lights being used in Cardiff give off a pink glow that exaggerates any spots or blemishes on people's faces.
Officials hope the lamps, normally used by beauticians, will slash the numbers of youths loitering in an area blighted by anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Neil McEvoy said: "It would be very much for areas of anti-social behaviour and where younger people tend to congregate.
"I know when I was that age I would have been put off if blemishes on my face were shown up - I am pleased that the police are being proactive."
But the lights have been criticised by the National Youth Agency.
Development officer Peta Halls said: "Anything that aims to embarrass people out of an area is not on.
"Why waste limited resources on something which moves all young people out of an area? They will move on to somewhere else."
The special acne lights being used in Cardiff give off a pink glow that exaggerates any spots or blemishes on people's faces.
Officials hope the lamps, normally used by beauticians, will slash the numbers of youths loitering in an area blighted by anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Neil McEvoy said: "It would be very much for areas of anti-social behaviour and where younger people tend to congregate.
"I know when I was that age I would have been put off if blemishes on my face were shown up - I am pleased that the police are being proactive."
But the lights have been criticised by the National Youth Agency.
Development officer Peta Halls said: "Anything that aims to embarrass people out of an area is not on.
"Why waste limited resources on something which moves all young people out of an area? They will move on to somewhere else."
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