[wagglebee]

Why didn't you mention that you are actually looking at a wax mask, not real skin?

Because that isn't the case. There is a thin transparent layer of wax that covers the skin, but what is seen is skin. And that thin layer of wax would in no way stop or even slow the deterioration of her body.

[armydoc]

Because that isn't the case. There is a thin transparent layer of wax that covers the skin, but what is seen is skin. And that thin layer of wax would in no way stop or even slow the deterioration of her body.

From Wikipedia:

In 1925, the church exhumed the body for a third time. They took relics, which were sent to Rome. A precise imprint of the face was molded so that the firm of Pierre Imans in Paris could make a light wax mask based on the imprints and on some genuine photos. This was common practice for relics in France, as it was feared that although the body was mummified, the blackish tinge to the face and the sunken eyes and nose would make an unpleasant impression on the public. Imprints of the hands were also taken for the presentation of the body. The remains were then placed in a gold and glass reliquary in the Chapel of Saint Bernadette at the motherhouse in Nevers. The site is visited by many pilgrims and the body of Saint Bernadette to this day remains incorruptible despite being nearly one hundred and fifty years old.

If the wax mask was thin and transparent, then her "blackish tinge and sunken eyes and nose" would still be apparent. No, this is an opaque mask. We don't know what she looks like underneath. Why else would they cover the skin with wax?