1.
To strip away something, especially something that hides the true nature of a thing, means to remove it completely.
Altman strips away the pretence and mythology to expose the film industry as a business like any other.
PHRASAL VERB : V P n (not pron)
2.
To strip away a layer of something means to remove it completely.
Sensitive Cream will not strip away the skin’s protective layer...
She’d managed to strip the bloodied rags away from Nellie’s body.
PHRASAL VERB : V P n (not pron) , V n P from n