She was elected to the Norwegian Parliament from Vestfold in 1997, and was re-elected on one occasion. She had previously served in the position of deputy representative during the term 1985–1989.
Skarbøvik was a member of Sem Municipality council from 1975 to 1985, serving the last two years as deputy mayor. She was also a member of Vestfold county council during the term 1979–1983.
