Does your skin have to breath? If it's blocked will there be a problem?

I have a girl friend that wants me to help her cover her whole body with vasoline, I know this could lead to a lot of fun, but is there any risk of damage possible to the cells by the vasoline blocking the cell respiration. She plans on having the vasoline on her over the weekend Friday night to Sunday night. I know this sound kind of like a wesson oil party but she thinks this will stop her itching.