Provided herein are methods for enhancing epidermal regeneration in a patient in need thereof, comprising topically administering to said patient a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising N-acetyl-3-(4-aminophenyl)-2-methoxypropionic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. For example, provided are methods for treating or ameliorating cicatricial alopecia, comprising topically administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising the disclosed compounds. Also provided are methods for protecting hair follicle progenitor cells and compositions comprising same using the disclosed compounds.
