Well, I have a problem with "you can't". Generally the answer should be "you can do that, but it is complicated"
First off, let's assume you are using said AC as a power source and want a constant voltage DC output that can supply some current. (you did not explicitly state that)
You can rectify the AC and smooth it with capacitors. That will get you to a DC that generally tracks the AC. Then, assuming the AC doesn't really go to zero, you can use DC to DC converter technology to convert the DC to a constant DC. Or, use the input to charge a battery that drives a regulator.
The DC to DC converter architecture becomes complicated if your input DC can be either higher or lower than the output DC. If the input is always lower, you need a boost architecture. If the input is always higher, you need a buck architecture. If it is both, you can use a sepic converter. (and don't ask me how they work --- they just do)
You said nothing about the relationship between the AC and the desired DC, what voltage ranges you are dealing with, and what power levels to need to supply.